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Jurrien Timber says one of his Arsenal teammates is ‘showing signs’ of being the best in the world

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It’s been a little while since Arsenal had a player considered the best in the world.

Arsenal have never had a Ballon d’Or winner, and while Thierry Henry was undoubtedly the best player on the planet in his pomp, he never quite got the accolades he deserved.

However, one of Arsenal’s current players his now staking a claim for being the world’s best, at least in his position.

Declan Rice has been dubbed the best midfielder in the world by some, and speaking on Stadium Astro, Jurrien Timber has shared his verdict on this debate.

While Timber wasn’t quite ready to call Rice the world’s best, he admitted that the England star is showing signs that he may well be at that level.

Is Declan Rice one of the most consistent Arsenal players of the Emirates era? If not, who is/was?

A graphic to show Declan Rice's recent match ratings for Arsenal.
Credit: Getty Images/Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC

Jurrien Timber hails Declan Rice

Timber gave an interesting response when asked if Declan Rice is the world’s best midfield player.

Indeed, the defender refused to bestow that label on his teammate, although he did admit there have been some signs that he is indeed the best in the world.

Rice has been tipped for the Premier League Player of the Year award, and it remains to be seen if he will indeed pick up that gong come the end of the season.

“Well, he’s showing some signs of being the best. Yeah, definitely. I think his consistency stands out and he’s so important for the team and he can basically do everything on the pitch and he’s a proper leader,” Timber said.

“Everyone loves him. He’s a great character as well. I think that’s important as well. He’s a great guy in the in the dressing room, always a smile on his face, he can play really good football.”

Jurrien Timber is also the best in the world

Rice may be considered the best midfielder in the world at this point, but there’s also an argument to make that Jurrien Timber holds that same standing in his position.

Indeed, William Saliba has hailed Timber as the best right-back around, and it is also hard to argue against that point of view.

If Declan Rice was worth £105m in 2023, what would his value be in 2026?

Arsenal's Declan Rice transfer value
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images – David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“He is so, so good. One against one, it is impossible to beat him, and offensively, he is so good. I hope he will keep going like this, and he is a top, top player. He is one or two (in the world), for sure!”

Arsenal have been tipped to win a treble this season, and with players like Rice and Timber in the side, it is hard to back against the Gunners on any front.