Riccardo Calafiori says Arsenal have a player who’s so strong that he can actually play in the NFL

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Arsenal have several players who are incredibly strong.

The Premier League is the most physical competition in world football, and if you’re not able to deal with robust challenges, you will most likely fail.

Mikel Arteta has made it a point to sign strong players over the last few years, and one player’s strength has impressed everyone this season – Jurrien Timber.

Riccardo Calafiori says Jurrien Timber can play in the NFL because ‘he’s a beast’

Timber has been Arsenal’s player of the season so far.

The Dutch international was incredible in the 2024/25 campaign. It was a shock to see him play at that level after missing most of the previous season due to an ACL injury.

Now, Timber has gone to a whole new level and is comfortably the best right-back in the Premier League.

Ian Wright recently hailed Timber’s strength and compared him to a boxer, while Liverpool star Jeremie Frimpong called the Arsenal defender a ‘rock’.

Now, ahead of Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke-owned LA Rams’ clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley, many Gunners stars were asked which one of their teammates could play in the NFL.

Cristhian Mosquera picked Timber, as did Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian said: “I think JT, Jurrien.

“First of all, I think he really likes this sport. And then he’s strong, you know? He’s a beast.”

When Timber was asked the same question, he said: “I’ll probably say Martinelli because he’s so fast. Maybe David (Raya) as a quarterback, you know?”

Which other Arsenal players could play in the NFL?

Timber is not the biggest player in Arsenal’s squad, but he is clearly one of the strongest.

Strength is one of the main requirements to be successful in the NFL, while speed is another trait that can be beneficial.

Those two factors were taken into account when a few Arsenal players named their picks to play in the NFL.

Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly all got two votes, but the big winner is Declan Rice – three players picked him.

Martinelli said about the Englishman: “Maybe Dec. This is the Horse (Rice’s nickname). Powerful, strong, and I think he will do well in the NFL.

Eberechi Eze added: “Dec! He’s got too much energy, man!”