Arsenal star Jurrien Timber has an important campaign ahead of him, after missing last season through injury.
The Dutchman was dealt a huge blow as his season ended on his Premier League debut as he picked up a long-term injury, but he returned on the final day of the campaign and has featured in pre-season.
Timber came off the bench against Wolves and put in an energetic display, and could be in contention to start against Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old’s versatility was a key factor in his recruitment, as he can play anywhere across the back four.
Although he is right-footed, he has predominantly played at left-back so far, whilst he also featured at centre-back in pre-season, and Mikel Arteta has now hinted at another new position for him.
Mikel Arteta claims Jurrien Timber can play in midfield for Arsenal
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face Aston Villa, Arteta was asked whether Timber could also be an option in midfield, and the manager was keen to highlight his versatility.
“Yeah he is. He can play in various positions,” Arteta responded.
“His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He played some quality minutes the other day.
“Having that capacity to find what the squad is needing in that minute is really valued.”
Jurrien Timber can be Arsenal’s Swiss army knife
There is a lot of competition for places in Arsenal’s back line, but rather than nailing down a starting position, Timber can play a different role.
Timber’s quality in both attacking and defensive phases of play makes him the ideal well-rounded defender.
He can provide a similar quality on the ball as Oleksandr Zinchenko, with more defensive awareness, and when the Ukrainian starts, it seems likely that Timber will be the go-to substitute to replace him to see out games.
Timber can be a useful substitute for Arteta no matter the opposition or scoreline, but this will affect which position he plays in. Ben White will need to rotate more this season, as will William Saliba, and Timber can replace both to a high level.
If Arsenal are holding onto a lead, it would be no surprise to see Timber slot into the midfield, and if Arsenal are chasing a game, he could drop into the back four as a more attacking option than one of the centre-backs.
Even if he is at a point where he is not starting regularly, Timber will see a lot of minutes this season as he aims to complete his full recovery from injury.
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