Arsenal star Bukayo Saka certainly knows a lot about humility, a player who is among the best in the world but still works as hard as anyone else in N5.
Recently, after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, the step-in Arsenal captain expressed that he would prefer to do less defending as a winger.
Under Mikel Arteta, Saka and Arsenal’s other wide forwards are asked to work twice as hard as some of their rivals in Europe and in the Premier League.
Saka and Gabriel Martinelli get through a tremendous amount of running in every 90 minutes, always doubling up with their full-back.
But it’s a role neither complain about, and even though Saka would like to do less in an ideal world, he’s still more than happy to make the sacrifice for his team.
Bukayo Saka says Jurrien Timber gives him ‘a lot of confidence’ at Arsenal
That being said, Saka has been speaking about one of the full-backs that often plays behind him in an interview with CBS Sports.
Jurrien Timber has often been deployed at right-back this season in the absence of Ben White, a defender who Saka has already earned the trust of Saka.
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And as well as praising the Dutchman’s defending, Saka also praised Timber’s mentality, saying he ‘stayed humble’ during a difficult injury last season.
Saka said: “He gave me a lot of confidence that when he’s one vs. one with an attacker he’s going to win the ball back and give it to me.
“On the ball he’s so composed, so calm and confident. He’s a top player, I’m happy he’s showing it.
“It must have been hard for him, knowing that he had that much ability but was on the sidelines for a year.
“He always kept his head, stayed humble and worked so hard. I’m happy that now he’s getting the praises he deserves.”
Jurrien Timber left out of the Netherlands squad because of injury
Of course, Timber’s ability won’t be showcased for the Netherlands over the break.
The Dutch defender suffered an injury during the win over PSG at the Emirates Stadium meaning he wasn’t risked against Southampton.
And after not being named in Ronald Koeman’s squad for their two Nations League games over the break, it appears that Timber is being allowed to recuperate further.
Arsenal fans will hope that there’s been no further set-back, a player who has become just as vital as Saka described.
That being said, Ian Wright has pleaded with Arsenal fans to give one of Timber’s teammates another chance once club football returns.
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