Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has just been given additional motivation to keep up his incredible form.
There are few players in the Arsenal squad as reliable and consistent as Timber.
The October international break was a time to relish for the Dutchman, who, at long last, earned consecutive starts under Ronald Koeman.
Before the break, Dutch media insisted that Timber had to start, given his fantastic form for Arsenal, and that’s just what happened.
Ronald Koeman’s feedback will delight Jurrien Timber
Timber partnered Virgil van Dijk to play at centre-back during the Netherlands’ wins over Malta and Finland.
The Arsenal star kept two clean sheets in the process, but more importantly, he impressed his manager.
As transcribed by NOS after the 4-0 win over Finland, Koeman was complimentary of Timber, and the player was complimentary of himself.
“He brings something different to the table than other central defenders. He covers, is calm on the ball, and dares to dribble. Those are plus points, and I see no reason to change this central defensive duo.”
Timber will absolutely love the assurance handed to him by Koeman, but the Arsenal man kept his cool, acknowledging his strong performances.
“I had a good international week. I always try to show myself when I play, and I’ve done that from the start,” he said.
“Of course, my goal is to be ready for the next international break. Ultimately, I also want a starting spot at the World Cup.”
The Netherlands have some solid options in central defence, including Premier League stars Jan Paul van Hecke and Nathan Ake, but as Koeman said, Timber offers something different.
Timber’s international situation is great news for Arsenal
If Arsenal fans thought they’d seen the best of Timber, then Gooners far and wide could be in for a treat.
Having finally achieved the first part of his goal at international level, the right-back will be pushing for even more now that the World Cup is in sight.
Before the October international break, Timber was not a starter in Koeman’s side, but his form at the start of the campaign at Arsenal left the manager with no choice.
Even before the October break in play, the 24-year-old was a top performer, but by taking it up a notch ever so slightly, his outlook in the national team has improved.
A new level could be on the horizon at Arsenal for Timber, now that his dream of being a starter at the World Cup has taken its first steps.
Already performing as one of the best in the Premier League, the heights that the defender could be about to hit are exciting to envision.
It’s a thrilling time for Timber, a time that Arsenal will only benefit from.
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