Arsenal star Jurriën Timber has earned an admirer back in the Netherlands. That’s if the latest from journalist Süleyman Öztürk of Voetbal International is anything to go by.
He’s been speaking about the defender in his column for the newspaper, [relayed by Ajax Showtime.](https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/opinie/timber-blijft-indruk-maken-cruciale-schakel-in-de-denderende-arsenal-trein) He thinks the Arsenal defender is among the best around.
Timber has bounced back significantly after a significant knee injury following his arrival at the Emirates in July 2023. He had joined from Ajax for €34m that summer but was injured in his first Premier League appearance against Nottingham Forest.
He spent the rest of the season out injured, returning on the final day as a substitute against Everton. A full return came last season, in which he established himself as a pillar of consistency in Mikel Arteta’s side.
This season has seen him solidify that status, nailing down the position as Arsenal’s starting right-back in the Premier League and Champions League.
Despite being seen as strong defensively, he’s grown considerably at the other end of the pitch as well. Öztürk, who watched the defender at Ajax, has certainly been left impressed by the Arsenal star.
“You recognize a good team by the development the players go through. Or rather: by how well the team is trained and managed,” he said.
“Timber initially added strength to the defense. He handles one-on-one duels, for example against superstars like Vinícius Júnior or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, exceptionally well. He’s strong, agile, and quick, and thus provides an extra lock on the door.
“He’s a crucial part of the tactical mosaic that Arteta has created. The statistics show that Timber achieves the figures more typical of an attacking midfielder. Both with and without the ball, he’s becoming increasingly decisive in the North Londoners’ play.
“In my opinion, he is above all an exceptionally intelligent footballer. Someone who picks up on cues quickly, assesses situations well, and understands his role within the team.
“Timber excels in what you might call intelligent teams: teams with a clear idea, where movements have a purpose, players know each other’s roles, and there is clarity about how to defend and attack.”