The international break has given Mikel Arteta plenty of food for thought at Arsenal.
Noni Madueke has impressed on the right for England – scoring his first international goal in the rout over Serbia – which will soon be an issue at Arsenal when Bukayo Saka regains full fitness.
Jurrien Timber has also now given Mikel Arteta something to consider after shining in a central role for the Netherlands.
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Jurrien Timber dazzles in position he’s played just four times at Arsenal
The Arsenal No.12 was substituted onto the pitch by Ronald Koeman in the 62nd minute of a 3-2 win over Lithuania on Sunday, replacing Stefan de Vrij in the centre of defence.
Arteta typically uses Timber as a full-back, only ever handing the Dutchman four appearances as a central defender since his £38m move from Ajax in July 2023.
Position Games Goals Assists
Right-Back 36 4 5
Left-Back 12 0 0
Centre-Back 4 0 0
(Transfermarkt)
Despite a lack of practice in this position at Arsenal, the Netherlands international impressed, leading analyst Hans Kraay Jr to state that he could even partner Virgil van Dijk in that position at the World Cup next summer.
The Dutch football expert told ESPN (quoted by Mee Met Oranje): “I think he has a very good chance of becoming Virgil’s (World Cup) partner. Van Dijk is big and strong, Timber is quick and also (plays) the ball between the lines a bit quicker than Van Dijk.
“I see Van Hecke doing that a lot at Brighton, but he’s less daring to do it here with the Dutch national team. I can see Timber becoming Van Dijk’s partner…after today, it could very well be that Timber is number one.”
Jurrien Timber during pre-season training at Arsenal.
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
The man born in Utrecht had made 170 appearances at centre-back during his time at Ajax, but the formidable partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba has been the main reason for the fact he only has four appearances in that position for Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber could take place of Tottenham star Micky van de Ven
While Timber has found success in a different position for the Netherlands, Tottenham No.37 Micky van de Ven has struggled.
Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen recently slammed Van de Ven for how he performs at left-back for the Netherlands, despite the fact he plays as a central defender for Tottenham.
In our eyes, an obvious solution would be to put the Tottenham speedster in the centre next to Van Dijk and field Timber at left-back instead, but Koeman is clearly still figuring out his ideal backline ahead of the World Cup next summer.