William Saliba has been full of praise for Jurrien Timber after Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup by defeating Crystal Palace.
The Gunners won 8-7 on penalties at the Emirates Stadium, having conceded a 95th-minute equaliser which took the game to a shoot-out.
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For the majority of the 90 minutes, Arsenal defended very well against a strong Crystal Palace attack, with Timber playing a key role at right-back.
After yet another solid showing from Arsenal’s back-line, Saliba has hailed his Dutch teammate, and his position in world football is now clear.
William Saliba hails Jurrien Timber as the world’s best right-back
William Saliba believes that Jurrien Timber is now the best right-back in the world ‘by a mile’ following another impressive display against Crystal Palace.
The French defender believes that Timber has become so complete, with his one-versus-one defending now ‘impossible’ to beat. Meanwhile, in attack, the Dutch international also offers a lot to the team.
Against Palace, Timber managed four shots at goal, completed 34 of his 41 passes, and won five of his seven ground duels.
When asked whether Timber is the best right-back in the world, Saliba told CBS Sports: “Yeah, by a mile! For me, by a mile…
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“He is so, so good. One against one, it is impossible to beat him, and offensively, he is so good. I hope he will keep going like this, and he is a top, top player. He is one or two, for sure!”
Timber has been so good, Bayern Munich asked about signing him; however, Arsenal are believed to have quickly shut down any approach for the 24-year-old.
The defender is now certainly one of the best players in the world in his position, and Mikel Arteta will be delighted to have him.
Mikel Arteta needs to find cover for Jurrien Timber
One thing Arsenal cannot afford to happen is for Timber to get injured, given they are already very light in defence.
Timber has started in 20 of the 24 appearances he has made for the Gunners this season, which has been a lot of football for him.
Lee Dixon suggested that Timber didn’t look like himself against Crystal Palace, and perhaps fatigue is playing a part in his performances.
Arteta must consider ways of shuffling the pack in defence to ensure that Timber is given a breather over the Christmas period.
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