Virgil van Dijk admitted Arsenal star was better than him, now he could succeed Liverpool ace with new claim

Add as preferred source on Google

One Arsenal player has revealed an unexpected quality he has in his locker while on international duty.

14 Arsenal players were called up for international action over the March break in play, with stars travelling all over the globe.

The Gunners left N5 in good spirits after beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates, gaining another three points to remain in second in the Premier League table. 

While the victory was positive, Arsenal are only marginally closer to leaders Liverpool, who look set to win the league this season. 

• READ MORE: ‘I think …’ – Jamie Carragher compares Arsene Wenger to current Arsenal and Liverpool scenario

What Virgil van Dijk once said about Jurrien Timber

Arne Slot has one hand on the Premier League title in his first season in England, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk preparing to lift the trophy in May. 

For all of the quality in Arsenal’s squad, the Gunners are unlikely to catch Liverpool with nine games to go, with their season derailed by injury. 

Earlier in the campaign, Van Dijk dismissed Arsenal’s injury woes, making him something of a villain in North London. 

While fans at the Emirates aren’t the biggest lovers of Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain feels differently about the Gunners, once expressing his admiration for one Arsenal star.

In 2022, Van Dijk spoke highly of Jurrien Timber, even admitting that his national teammate was better than he was at the age of 21. 

“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age]. I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional,” the Premier League star told the media.

“He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think,” Van Dijk concluded.

The comments came before Timber’s transfer to Arsenal, where some would argue that he’s since become even better.

Timber’s leadership qualities could see him follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps

Timber has received high praise at Arsenal this term, acting as Arteta’s Mr Reliable in defence, playing in a range of roles without fuss. 

Van Dijk backed the defender to have a big future and was once actually compared to the Liverpool star by Dutch journalist Arthur Renard, via BBC.

Ten years the centre-back’s junior, Timber has a long way to go to usurp Van Dijk’s status at international and club level however, his latest revelation could see him build the foundations to emulate his compatriot. 

On international duty, Timber revealed to SoccerNews that he sees himself as a ‘natural leader’. 

“In my own way, I am a natural leader,” he said.

“I am not the loudest, but I always try to help others. In doing so, I stay close to myself.”

The defender could one day be a contender to wear the armband at both club level and for his country, something Van Dijk takes pride in doing.

With the on-field quality there and a claim for his leadership potential to be explored, Timber could one day fulfil expectations and follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps.