Virgil van Dijk reveals what it’s really like to partner Jurrien Timber as Arsenal star shines

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Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber spent the October international break as Virgil van Dijk’s partner in the Dutch national team.

Timber has been playing at centre-back for the Netherlands over the break, flexing his versatility at international level. 

Before the break began, Dutch media put pressure on Ronald Koeman to start Timber, with the coach responding by handing the Arsenal star two starts at centre-back. 

The Netherlands concluded their October international schedule with a 4-0 win over Finland, earning Timber his second clean sheet in a week. 

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Virgil van Dijk reacts to partnering Jurrien Timber after the Netherlands’ win over Finland

Timber and Van Dijk have gone from rivals in the Premier League to central defensive partners for their country. 

Koeman’s new combination has brought joy to the Dutch national team over the break, and now, Van Dijk has had his say.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the win over Finland, the Liverpool defender was asked what it’s like to play alongside Timber in the heart of defence. 

“He’s a type of player who’s in top form,” Van Dijk said.

The 34-year-old went on to discuss the intensity of competition for minutes at centre-back in Koeman’s squad, then outlined the strengths each player brings.

“Everyone has their own strengths. Ultimately, you play together to get the best out of each other,” Van Dijk began.

“With Jurrien, who is very good on the ball, just as good as JP [Van Hecke], but also Matthijs [De Ligt], Nathan [Ake], and Stefan [De Vrij]. It’s all about good communication and maintaining proper social distancing. This can only improve if you do this more often.”

Van Dijk has a luxury list of centre-back partners in the Netherlands camp, but right now, Timber looks to be the first choice after a lengthy wait.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted with Timber 

Timber’s versatility is what makes him so good, so Arteta would’ve certainly loved what he saw over the October break. 

That being said, the Arsenal manager’s main source of contentment will come from how the defender’s minutes were managed. 

After Timber played 90 minutes against Malta, Koeman took the 24-year-old off early against Finland, giving the Arsenal man an hour to impress.

Arteta will be delighted at such, with his prized right-back now set to return to North London high on confidence and, most importantly, fully fit and charged.