Arsenal’s recent form hasn’t been great, that’s clear for all to see.
The Gunners are, arguably, no longer favourites in the title race, they’re out of the FA Cup, and they lost the Carabao Cup final.
Understandably, questions have been asked around what’s gone wrong, and one clear issue has been at right-back.
Jurrien Timber has not kicked a ball in recent weeks, but his value to Arsenal has arguably never been clearer.
Injuries have kept him out, forcing Mikel Arteta to reshuffle his defence. Ben White has stepped in, a player who has been reliable for much of his Arsenal career. However, recent performances have exposed a drop in level, and that contrast has only made Timber’s importance stand out even more.
Fill in the blank: Jurrien Timber is now worth £__m to Arsenal
Jurrien Timber’s importance has been proven at Arsenal
There’s no way to sugarcoat it, Ben White has struggled in recent times for Arsenal.
His usual composure has been missing, and defensively he has looked vulnerable in situations he would normally handle with ease. Whether it is positioning, decision-making, or dealing with pace out wide, there have been too many moments where he has been exposed. At this level, those small issues quickly become major problems.
That is where Timber’s absence becomes obvious.
Before his injury, Timber offered a level of control and assurance that Arsenal now lack. He is comfortable on the ball, strong in duels, and tactically aware in a way that allows him to adapt during games. He can step into midfield, support build-up play, and still recover defensively when needed.
When a player consistently performs at a high level, the team naturally leans on them. Timber had started to build that trust before his injury, and his absence has left a gap that has not been filled convincingly.
Simply put, it’s never been more obvious how important Timber is to this Arsenal team, he’s come out of the side and things have fallen apart.
Timber may have been underrated before his injury, but, make no mistake about it, nobody will be taking the Dutchman for granted when he returns.
Timber’s stock at Arsenal has increased without even kicking a ball.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
