Denis Irwin has disagreed with claims that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is world-class when discussing the best full-backs in world football.
Timber is currently enjoying the best season of his career so far, becoming an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team at the Emirates Stadium.
Fill in the blank: Jurrien Timber is now worth £__m to Arsenal
Arsenal are ready to reward Timber with a new contract, given just how good he has been this term in the right-back role.
The Dutch defender is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in Europe right now, but the former Manchester United legend has dismissed claims that he’s world-class.
Denis Irwin says Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is not world-class
Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin claims that Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber is not a world-class full-back.
He did admit that the Arsenal star is a ‘great defender’, but could not agree that the 24-year-old has become world-class.
Speaking to ESPN UK, when asked whether Timber is world-class, Irwin responded: “Again, a great defender, but world-class?”
Irwin suggested that Achraf Hakimi, Reece James, Milos Kerkez and Andrew Robertson were the closest players to be world-class full-backs.
It’s hard to agree with the ex-Premier League defender, given Timber’s impressive stats and all-round ability this season.
True or false: Arsenal are a better team when Ben White plays over Jurrien Timber…
Compared to other full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, Timber ranks in the 85th percentile for non-penalty, 94th percentile for progressive passes, 87th percentile for tackles and 86th percentile for aerial duels.
Meanwhile, his versatility to play all the way across the back four also makes him such an impressive player.
During Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba’s absence, he filled in at centre-back and away at Chelsea in the EFL Cup; he featured at left-back.
Timber was one of Arsenal’s best players in 2025 and is set to be equally as important during this calendar year.
Arsenal set to miss out on Quinten Timber deal
Arsenal now look set to miss out on the chance to sign Jurrien’s brother, Quinten Timber, who could join Marseille.
The French club have reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the midfielder, with just a few details remaining, according to FootMercato.
Arsenal have been linked with Timber as cover for their midfielder, but have yet to firm up their interest in the 24-year-old.
Timber could be joined by Ethan Nwaneri, who is also close to signing for Marseille on loan for the rest of the season.
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