Arsenal star Jurrien Timber was dealt a huge blow as he picked up a long-term injury on his Premier League debut, which kept him out for the entire season.
Timber returned from injury on the final day of last season, and has been building his fitness up in pre-season, with impressive performances so far on the USA tour.
The Dutchman joined for £34m from Ajax last year, and is capable of performing to a very high level on both sides at fullback, and will compete with incoming signing Riccardo Calafiori for a spot at left-back.
However, in his pre-season performances so far, Mikel Arteta has played him in a surprising role, and this opens up more tactical possibilities for him over the course of the season.
Jurrien Timber has played at centre-back in Arsenal pre-season games
It was expected that with William Saliba absent after Euro 2024, Ben White would return to centre-back and Timber would slot in at right-back for Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures.
However, Arteta has kept White on the right, with Timber taking Saliba’s position as a centre-back, and speaking after his side beat Manchester United in Los Angeles, the manager explained why he chose to operate with this dynamic.
“Making one change and not two. It’s simple, and as well there is so much chemistry in that right unit. That relationship has been there for a long time and I believe at the moment that it’s better just to touch one thing,” he stated in reference to keeping White at full-back and throwing Timber in the centre.
Jurrien Timber is like a new signing for Arsenal
Timber has shown that he can play comfortably across the back line, and given his outstanding ability on the ball, it would not be a surprise to see him operate in a midfield role at some point.
Given that he hardly featured last season, Timber being available now is essentially like a new signing, and Arteta is delighted to have him as an option.
“Now he’s getting the rhythm because obviously he’s missed a lot of football in the last year or so,” Arteta added.
“We’ve asked him to play in a different position than we had in mind due to the numbers and the players we have at the moment, but I’m really happy.
“Just look at him, his pressing, his leadership, his composure. He’s like a new signing for us and a big addition to the team.”
With all the focus on Calafiori joining the back line, Timber has gone slightly under the radar, but it is as if he has just joined this summer, with this now his first proper campaign at Arsenal.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
