Martin Odegaard says ‘unlucky’ Arsenal player is ‘fighting so hard’ in training every day

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Arsenal have a number of top-quality players in their squad.

The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons, and they have come really close.

However, on both occasions, Mikel Arteta’s side fell short, which was heartbreaking.

Arsenal will do everything they possibly can to win the Premier League this season, and one of their players is like a new signing for Arteta now.

Martin Odegaard gives insight into how Jurrien Timber is behind the scenes at Arsenal

Arsenal signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax in the summer of 2023.

The Dutchman became an instant fan favourite following his brilliant performances in the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States.

Everyone expected Timber to have an incredible season at Arsenal, but the defender, unfortunately, suffered a very serious knee injury on his Premier League debut.

Timber made just one more appearance in the whole of the 2023/24 campaign, but he worked really hard throughout the summer to get back to full fitness.

The 23-year-old has played in every single game for Arsenal so far this season, and he has looked really good at left-back.

Club captain Martin Odegaard has revealed that Timber has been ‘fighting’ in training to reach his best level and predicted he will be a ‘big player’ for Arsenal this term.

When asked how important Timber will be for the Gunners, Odegaard said in a video on GQ’s YouTube channel: “So unlucky to get injured in the first game but he’s been fighting so hard to be back and he is looking good now.

“So, big player, good guy!”

READ MORE: What Arsenal fans were all saying about Jurrien Timber after the North London Derby

Mikel Arteta should use Timber in a new position at Arsenal

Timber is one of the most versatile players in the world.

The Dutch international can play in every single position in the backline. He has already shown his quality in the full-back positions at Arsenal and looked really good as a centre-half in pre-season too.

Timber has played at left-back in every game so far this season, but with Riccardo Calafiori now available, we think Arteta should use the former Ajax man in the middle of the park.

Thomas Partey has been disappointing in midfield recently, while Jorginho is not getting any younger. Mikel Merino is injured right now, which has left the Gunners short of options.

We think a midfield of Timber and Rice would make Arsenal much stronger than they already are, and the fact that Calafiori can invert and slot in a more central area gives Arteta a number of options in possession.

Arsenal take on Manchester City next, and it will be interesting to see if Arteta will give Timber a new role at the Etihad Stadium.