Troy Deeney says player Arsenal released has been even better than Jurrien Timber this season

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Troy Deeney believes that a player Arsenal allowed to leave on a free transfer has performed better than Jurrien Timber so far this season.

Timber has been outstanding for the Gunners this term, starting 13 of Mikel Arteta’s side’s 17 matches across all competitions.

The full-back has been praised for his defensive solidity in the past, but the offensive side of his game has come on leaps and bounds this campaign.

Alongside his left-sided counterpart Riccardo Calafiori, the Dutchman has been given the licence to roam forward and pop up in advanced positions, which has added another element to Arsenal’s attack.

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Troy Deeney says Danny Welbeck has been better than Jurrien Timber

Despite Timber’s excellent form, Deeney has named another player with Arsenal ties ahead of the right-back in his list of the best Premier League players this term.

Placing the Netherlands international at number eight, the former Watford centre-forward named Brighton striker Danny Welbeck at number seven in his list.

“I will go Jurrien Timber at eight,” Deeney said on the Football Exchange YouTube channel.

“He’s been excellent, defended well, he goes in there.”

“Number seven. I have got Danny Welbeck. Six goals in seven games at his age. Staying fit and healthy. Done really well.”

Welbeck has been so good for Brighton that Arsenal fans were frustrated when Thomas Tuchel left the number nine out of his latest England squad.

The veteran forward will turn 35 this month, yet he’s already scored six Premier League goals this season and is playing at as high a level as he ever has.

Spending five years at Arsenal between 2014 and 2019, and making 126 appearances in the process, Welbeck is fondly remembered by Gunners fans. Thus, Deeney’s placement of the 34-year-old and Timber won’t frustrate these supporters too much.

Only two players have played more through balls than Jurrien Timber in the Premier League this season

As good as Welbeck has been, Timber has been among the best two or three players in the team that is four points clear at the top of the league and probably ought to be ahead of the former Manchester United striker.

Not only has the 24-year-old defender been a huge component of Arsenal’s defensive success, he’s been one of their most dangerous attacking players.

In fact, only Morgan Rogers and Mohamed Salah have completed more through balls than Timber in the English top flight this season.

Alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Bryan Mbeumo, Timber ranks as one of the best in the league at threading the ball in between two opposition defenders.

This is one of a number of attacking metrics he is excelling in this campaign, with the former Ajax man fourth in expected goals in the Arsenal squad, third in key passes and second in passes into the penalty area.

Arteta has transformed Timber into an outstanding offensive full-back.