Dutch media came to one conclusion after watching Jurrien Timber in 4-0 Netherlands win

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The Netherlands have booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup, with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber set to be on the plane to North America.

It’s been an incredible season for Timber so far, with things made even better for the defender as the Netherlands’ win over Lithuania meant World Cup qualification was secured.

The Arsenal star recorded a consecutive start, this time being trusted by Ronald Koeman at right-back rather than in central defence.

Timber’s position has been discussed throughout the November international break, and after the Dutch national team’s 4-0 victory, it was brought up once more.

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Dutch media react to Jurrien Timber’s performance for the Netherlands against Lithuania

The win over Lithuania wasn’t all rosy for Timber, who sustained a knee injury and appeared to be in real discomfort after taking a heavy blow.

Back in N5, Mikel Arteta’s heart would’ve been in his mouth as his defender was taken off the pitch for treatment, but thankfully, he returned to action to impress the media.

After Timber was criticised in central defence against Poland, Koeman tested the Arsenal star at right-back, where he earned strong reviews.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf awarded the 24-year-old a 7/10 match rating, but the standout part of their review of the fullback’s performance was the realisation of what his best position might be. 

“He was the best in defence against Lithuania. I also think he’s better on the right than in the centre of the defence. He’s also doing well in that position at his club.”

Interestingly, Football Oranje held the same opinion as De Telegraaf after watching Timber make a rare appearance at right-back for his country. 

“A world-class defender who was very comfortable at right-back and almost scored the second goal before the break.”

In England, Timber is viewed as one of the best fullbacks in the world, but in his homeland, there’s still a feeling of adaptation when it comes to seeing the ex-Ajax hero play anywhere but centrally.

Timber’s position caused a pre-match mishap 

It’s easy to forget that Timber arrived at Arsenal as a centre-back, and it appears that some figures in the Netherlands are still coming to terms with the defender’s change of role.

So much so that when reporting live for Ziggo Sport ahead of the Netherlands’ win over Lithuania, journalist Sam van Royen made a mistake upon hearing that Timber wouldn’t be starting at centre-back.

“There are some surprises in the lineup, because Matthijs de Ligt is playing at centre-back. That means there’s no Timber in the starting lineup,” Van Royen said, as transcribed by Mee Met Oranje.

Taking a glance at the team news, the journalist assumed that if Timber wasn’t at centre-back, then he was on the bench, but he was immediately corrected.

Upon being informed that the Arsenal man was starting in the back four, Van Royen responded, “Is he playing right-back? Oh, sorry! I missed that.”

It was a harmless mishap from the reporter, but one that only reinforced how Timber’s primary position is still regarded as centre-back.