As Arsenal prepare for their huge clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, plenty of focus has been placed on the head-to-head battles that’ll play out on the pitch.
There are superstars across both squads, with Real Madrid boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo in their squad.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will have the threat of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Declan Rice to hit back with.
The head-to-heads out on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium will be key in one of the two teams coming out on top.
Ahead of such a huge Champions League clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid, one star has been singled out for praise.
Mikel Arteta praises Jurrien Timber impact at Arsenal
One player who will have a key part to play against Real Madrid is Jurrien Timber, who is in line for a return to the team.
The Arsenal star will likely be tasked with featuring on the right flank, where he could come up against Vinicius Jr, along with plenty of other attacking threats.
Ahead of such an important role in the team, Mikel Arteta discussed the impact of Timber and believes fans have finally seen his true quality.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the match, the Arsenal boss said: “[Jurrien Timber is] Incredible.
“Probably nobody realised the player we signed until he stepped through the door and started to show every quality he has.
“From the human side again, because he’s a leader. He had a really tough start with a difficult injury, almost a year out, and then to be doing what he’s doing this season is remarkable.
“As you mention, different positions, with different demands. Always so consistent.”
The impact that Timber has had at the back is clear, with his ability to win duels only boosted by his quality going forward.
The versatility he has allows him to cover the back four if required, which gives plenty of flexibility.
It’s a quality that not only Arteta loves, but the players seem to notice as well.
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Bukayo Saka reveals what it’s like playing alongside Jurrien Timber
One of the big changes that has occurred is on the right flank, with Ben White’s injury opening up more of a chance for Timber to feature there.
The Dutch international has combined with Bukayo Saka plenty of times as a result, with the duo building a healthy relationship on the wing.
The Arsenal winger had plenty to say about Timber and his impact too, as he told the press: “So Jurrien is a really top player and I’ve really enjoyed playing with him this season.
“We’ve built a good connection. He’s very strong, a good defender, can attack as well, so he’s very well-rounded. When I got injured, he was there for me, anything I needed.”
It certainly explains the right-side bias that Arsenal have in their attacks, given the strength of the options there.
The pair will now be looking to combine once again, this time in a huge Champions League setting.
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