Claude Makelele has just made a truly laughable claim about Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber

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Chelsea legend Claude Makelele appears to be the latest footballing figure to underrate Jurrien Timber.

Mikel Arteta’s impact on Timber has been remarkable, transforming the former Ajax centre-back into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.

This season, the Dutchman has been absolutely faultless, which is what fans could’ve also said about his 2024/25 campaign.

Though Timber was just described as an ‘exceptional footballer’ by Gary Lineker, other former players aren’t on the same page.

• READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk will not like what’s now being said about Jurrien Timber

Claude Makelele chooses Achraf Hakimi and Reece James ahead of Jurrien Timber

There are few players in world football as impactful and as consistent as Timber, who missed an entire season due to an ACL injury only two years ago.

The 24-year-old’s resurgence has been admirable, so much so that Gary Neville thinks Timber is the world’s best right-back right now.

There is reason to agree with Neville, as the Netherlands international is performing at a level that is contributing to Arsenal having the best defence in Europe.

Not everyone agrees, however, as Claude Makelele just said he’d sell Timber in favour of keeping two players ahead of him.

When asked by The Sun if he’d start, bench, or sell Achraf Hakimi, Reece James and Timber, Makelele opted to ditch Timber.

Interestingly, Rio Ferdinand said that there are better full-backs than Timber, as the Manchester United icon also rated Hakimi and James ahead of the Arsenal man.

It would be fascinating to know how much Makelele has watched of Timber this season, as his opinion would surely change if he were paying close attention to the Dutchman.

Elsewhere in the debate, Makelele’s Chelsea ties shone through again, as he also chose Moises Caicedo ahead of Declan Rice, a debate that is ongoing this season.

Makelele is so wrong about Timber

Arsenal fans will have something to say about Makelele’s view of Timber, not due to loyalties, but because of what the facts reveal.

When looking at the numbers from the 2025/26 Premier League season, and Ligue 1 in Hakimi’s case, it’s clear that Timber is not the worst pick out of the trio.

Comparing statistics needed in a modern full-back’s game, Timber and James are well ahead of Hakimi, with the Arsenal star shining where it matters most, in defence.

Timber has the most clean sheets and has the highest average of duels won per game, something Makelele should perhaps take a look at.

Arsenal won’t mind that their 2023 signing is continually being underrated, as all that matters is that his triumphant form continues, whether or not he gets the recognition he truly deserves.