A number of Arsenal players will be desperate to make a positive impression this season.
Of course, Riccardo Calafiori will want to impress in his maiden campaign at the Emirates Stadium. Fabio Vieira will also be keen to prove his worth to Arsenal, having largely flattered to deceive since his arrival from Porto.
There is pressure on Oleksandr Zinchenko to get back to his best, whilst Gabriel Jesus also has a point to prove.
David Raya has made a strong start to his first season as a permanent Arsenal player, and on top of all that, Jurrien Timber will be desperate to make up for lost time.
The Dutch defender arrived in North London last summer, but missed out on almost his entire debut campaign due to an ACL injury he picked up in the Premier League opener. He didn’t return to first team action until the final game of the season.
Mikel Arteta still has big plans for the former Ajax man. Timber was kept integrated at Arsenal throughout last season. He was a regular presence in the dressing room and attended team meetings, with the hope being that this process would help him to settle and then hit the ground running when back to full fitness.
The 23-year-old defender is fit again now, enjoyed a runout against Wolves on Saturday, and will play a key role throughout the season.
Gary Neville expects big things from Arsenal ace Jurrien Timber
Gary Neville is certainly excited to see what the 15-cap Netherlands international can bring to Arsenal this season.
Neville has backed Arsenal to become champions, and on top of that, the former Manchester United full-back also expects Timber to be a breakout star for the Gunners.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the pundit was asked to name a ‘player to watch’ this season. He said: “I was looking forward to Timber coming to Arsenal and adding defensive stability and they did that without him. He feels like a new addition and I am looking forward to seeing how he fits in.”
Where will Timber play for Arsenal?
One of Timber’s most appealing qualities as a player is his versatility. He is comfortable in any role across the back line.
However, he will likely be aiming to make the left-back role his own. Zinchenko slipped down the pecking order last season, and Calafiori has not had chance to establish himself yet.
Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury issues continue to dog him, and Jakub Kiwior’s future at Arsenal is in doubt.
There is an opportunity for Timber to make himself the first-choice left-back, and he will want to take it.
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