Jurrien Timber is doing something simply incredible at Arsenal, why Mikel Arteta loves him is clear

Add as preferred source on Google

This season at Arsenal, Jurrien Timber has been quickly establishing himself as one of the best right-backs in Europe.

Initially, Timber joined Arsenal as a centre-back, but Mikel Arteta has since transformed him into a top-class full-back.

Against Chelsea, Timber’s impressive form continued as he produced another strong showing at full-back in SW6.

After the match, Timber was called the best full-back in the world by Tim Sherwood, and it’s hard to argue against that right now.

The Gunners have just enjoyed a great week of results, beating Tottenham and Bayern Munich, before earning a point away at Stamford Bridge.

The Dutch international was key in all three results for the North London club, and there is one stat which highlights just how elite he has been.

Jurrien Timber won all his aerial duels vs Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea

Rather remarkably, Jurrien Timber won all of the aerial duels he contested in games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

In total, the former Ajax star challenged for 11 aerial duels across his last three matches and won every single one.

The 24-year-old rounded off his impressive run of aerial duels by winning five out of five that he contested away in West London on Sunday.

The Dutch international is only 1.79m, so it’s quite a surprise to see how dominant he has become in these situations.

Jurrien Timber won all his aerial duels vs Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea

Timber’s aerial duels won in his last three matches:

Chelsea: 5 (5)

Bayern Munich: 3 (3)

Tottenham: 3 (3)

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

In fact, Timber actually scored a header against Bayern during midweek as he set the team on their way to a 3-1 win over the Bavarians.

Many Arsenal fans will remember Timber’s superb headed goal against Leeds United earlier this season, and he now appears to be the Gunners’ biggest threat with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined.

It’s now a really useful asset for Arteta, and he will certainly need it to continue while Gabriel sits out of action.

Mikel Arteta will love Jurrien Timber’s aerial dominance

Arteta will simply love how dominant Timber is in the air, having constructed his Arsenal team to be one which is very physically imposing.

There is no hiding from the fact that Arsenal have one of the most physical squads in the Premier League, as noted by Mikel Merino.

Merino spoke about how Arsenal’s squad is like a basketball team, with most of his teammates towering over him, despite being 1.89m himself.

Timber certainly isn’t the tallest player in the squad; in fact, he’s one of the smallest, but he is exceptionally powerful, and that’s what allows him to excel in the air.