Jurrien Timber has become one of Arsenal’s most important players.
The Dutchman was always very highly rated during his time at Ajax, but many people felt he would only be a backup to Ben White when the Gunners signed him.
However, Timber has become one of the first names on the team sheet, and he is arguably the best right-back in the world now.
But when he first joined the club, Mikel Arteta used him in a different role.
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Jurrien Timber says he was surprised when Mikel Arteta asked him to play as a left-back
Jurrien Timber is an incredibly complete footballer.
The 24-year-old played a lot of his football at Ajax as a central defender, but most of his games at Arsenal have come at right-back.
Timber has also played as a left-back for the Gunners, while he has the ability to fill in as a defensive midfielder as well.
That is what makes him complete, but even he was taken aback when Arteta asked him to start at left-back in his first days at Arsenal.
In an interview with Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports, Timber was asked if he always knew he was going to be Arsenal’s full-back.
The Netherlands international replied: “I knew I was going to play as a full-back. But to be fair, when I came, I knew I was going to play as a full-back, but I played the first couple of games as a left full-back.
“So that was a surprise a bit, but in the end, that worked out as well.
“But to be fair, I’m ready to play anywhere, wherever the coach needs me. But we had a conversation already before where he told me that he saw me more as a full-back than a centre-back.”
Rank these fullbacks from best to worst and explain your answer: Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Jurrien Timber should still be considered as an option at left-back in certain games
Timber is in the form of his life at right-back, and it would be silly to change his position now.
However, if Arsenal come up against a team with a world-class right-winger who is excellent in 1v1 situations, the Dutchman should be considered on the opposite side.
Riccardo Calafiori has improved a lot defensively, but he has the tendency to commit fouls and pick up needless yellow cards.
Timber is a lot more assured in 1v1 situations, and he could completely neutralise the opposition attacker – just like he did with Vinicius Jr home and away last season.
However, for that to happen, White should be fit and at the top of his game at right-back.
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