Ahead of Arsenal’s US pre-season tour, we mentioned that we might find out before the start of next season where coach Mikel Arteta sees Jurrien Timber in his lineup.After missing around 45 games last season due to a serious injury, Timber needed a successful pre-season to improve his match fitness and become a trustworthy option for Arsenal the following season.
To make it easier for the Dutchman to assimilate into the team, it was thought he’d be assigned to the role he would play next season. So far, the former Ajax star has so far been featured as a central defender versus Bournemouth and then Manchester United. Timber was used as a right-sided central defender in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth; he then featured as a left-sided central defender in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
One may rightfully argue that starting at central defence, it is evident that Arteta is grooming Timber to be an option in central defence, with some suggesting that Timber has it in him to deputise Saliba.
Interestingly, for the Arsenal boss, the summer 2023 recruit is like a new signing, doing everything remarkable to force his way into the starting 11.
Arteta said, “He’s like a new signing for us, a big addition to the team.”
“Now he’s getting the rhythm because obviously he’s missed a lot of football in the last year or so.”
“Just look at him — his pressing, his leadership, his composure.”
Arteta’s praise for Timber’s pushing, leadership, and composure demonstrates his profound admiration for the player. As the defender regains his form, Arsenal fans and the club hope that he will rapidly establish himself as a key member of their team, as Arteta anticipates.
But the question remains, who’s place could he take in the team? He may use 2 of him, Gabriel and Saliba by rotation every week? If he plays as a full back, where does that leave Ben White or Califiori?
Daniel O
I bet he’ll become White’s and Calafiori’s backup. Tomiyasu is injury-prone, so Timber would likely get enough chances to rotate with them
Gai if you asked me based on how Arteta used him last game of last season and pre-ason he would most like play in BWhite position. Timber has better ball control than White for an inverted role on the right back. Watch our 3 pre-season games except that Arteta would want to manage him after his long injury.
White has done well on the right side of defence but in my opinion Timber would do much better. Califaori would definitely make left lack his own and could be deputies by Tomiyasu.
Yeah I think Timber will predominately have to compete with White, since Calafiori would most likely become a starter in the LB position
As far as I remember, Timber played LB in his last EPL game last season and with the youngsters
Against Everton Timber came for White, it was Tomiyasu that played Left back and even scored
he should be ready to help in no.6 since Partey cannot stay fit for the better part of the season
I think there’ll be a lot more rotation in our defence which is a good thing. Firstly, that would keep everyone fit and fresh. Secondly, it would allow us to set up in a million different ways tactically. Imagine a scenario where opponents plan for Calafiori at LB only to find Timber- and vice versa.
Or a scenario where Ben starts and we make a tactical change to bring on Timber. A different problem for the opponents which can change a game. From what I’ve seen,I believe Timber can play in Central defence as well. He didn’t struggle against Premier League forwards in our two games against Bournemouth and United, despite playing alongside an inexperienced partner. I think he’ll look even better alongside Gabriel/Saliba.
Finally, as our team gets better, we need to get used to the fact that we’ll always have quality players on the bench and nothing’s wrong with that. On many occasions you’ll have City bench having the likes of Grealish,Gvardiol and Alvarez. That is the level we are aiming for.
Like last season, he may start at left back.
Calafiori’s signing is taking forever. He won’t be ready for the first game of the season but his signing may signal the departure of Zinchenko and/or Kiwior.
His positional sense is exceptional as he reads the game very well and can adapt to 5 defensive positions, which include across the back four and the number 6 position. He will eventually become a number 6 due to his discipline and high energy and always being available for the pass covering every blade of grass, but it is his interceptions being all over the pitch that reminds me of Declan rice. He is also versitle giving the option of covering gaps in defence.
As long as he is needed and performs well, I don’t think any Arsenal fan will be worried where he plays as long as he is consistently good to great.
I think Big Gabby will be tactically affected because of his footwork. Remember Saliba excelled as a LCB in the Euros, and all of a sudden Timber is getting minutes in the CB despite the presence of White and Kiwior…
Something is cooking there…Gabi might be a renowned bench warmer next season
Agree. Will he miss starts in more than just the first 3 games this season? He is rumoured to be discussing which bench seats are best with Rams.
Why would you want to split up the Ben White / Saka combination ??? Saka certainly played his best games with White backing him ! Possibly you could use Timber as a sub for the four positions at the back but I see him ultimately as a no 6. It was the same on the left hand side where Martinelli and Zinchenko just did not gel and Martinelli’s form suffered as a result. DONT TRY TO FIX THINGS THAT ARE NOT BROKEN.
I have full confidence in Arteta’s ambition to win both the Premier League and the Champions League this season. Efficient player rotation will be key to achieving this. With a large squad of top-performing players, the competition for a spot in the starting 11 will be intense. Adding a prolific goal scorer to the team will undoubtedly heighten our anticipation for the upcoming season. A fit Timber is a crucial player for us to become winners, and I am sure he will get a lot of game time wherever he plays.