Former Arsenal player says he’d have hated to play against a star in Mikel Arteta’s squad

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Adrian Clarke has heaped praise on one Arsenal player, claiming that he’d have hated to play against the individual.

Arsenal strolled past West Ham on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates to move a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners are riding high, with the outrage over Mikel Arteta’s conservatism away at Liverpool and at home to Manchester City now something of the past.

This exceptional form has seen several players produce outstanding performances, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

However, Clarke has opted to highlight a different star whom he’s been particularly impressed with.

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Adrian Clarke praises ‘determined’ Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber has been sensational for Arsenal for some time now.

Stepping in for the injured Ben White last term, the Dutchman has established himself as the Gunners’ first-choice right-back over the past 12 months.

Producing consistently excellent performances, Timber was arguably a player of the year candidate for Arsenal last season, and he’s only gone up a level this campaign.

Speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, former Arsenal player and now pundit Clarke waxed lyrical about the 24-year-old.

“I’d have hated to play against Timber,” he said.

“Yeah, Timber, Timber’s got it all, hasn’t he? He’s so determined. He’s like really snappy, quick, and also wants to get forward. So, you’d have to follow him. He was really good in this game [against West Ham].” 

What more can Jurrien Timber add to his game?

Timber is arguably the best defensive right-back in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international can negate the threat of the best wingers on the planet, with his recovery pace and defensive instincts as good as most centre-backs.

In possession, he’s improved tenfold since arriving at Arsenal, breaking lines with penetrative passes and driving upfield with the ball frequently.

However, if there’s one thing that Ben White still has over him it’s the quality that the Englishman possesses in the final third.

Although he has shown signs of improvement in this aspect of the game, the quality of Timber’s crosses and cut-backs is still not at the level of his counterpart.

If he progresses in advanced areas, he’ll be one of the most complete full-backs on the planet.