Jurrien Timber returned from injury earlier this year and returned to first team action this summer. This season, the Dutch defender has earned many plaudits for his performances for the gunners.
Timber has played six Premier League games this season, after having featured in only two last season. His performances against Manchester City, and recently Leicester City have wowed Arsenal fans.
Former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz believes Timber’s ability in multiple positions could be an issue for the defender’s career.
Boulahrouz believes key Jurrien Timber trait could affect him
Since arriving at Arsenal, Timber has played both fullback roles and even started in the center of the defence. Former Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz believes Timber’s versatility could affect his career going forward:
“Of course he is coming back from a serious injury,”
“Then you are very humble and happy that you are in the starting line-up at such a great club. You enjoy that. But is it good for the rest of your career? No.
“Is it good to be versatile? It can be an option every now and then. If he were to play right back, that’s closer to his nature, but left back… No, that’s not what you were brought in for. You played centrally and you deserved it.”
This take from the former Chelsea man is quite surprising; Timber’s ability to play across the defence for Arsenal has given Mikel Arteta many options this season.
The defender’s ability on the ball shines no matter which side of the defence he plays. Against Leicester City, Timber created seven chances in the 4-2 win.
Defender believes Arsenal is the next level for his career
Timber himself has no issue with where he plays. This past week, the 23-year old even said that playing for Arsenal is the highest level he has reached in his career.
“I’ve done it [competed for titles] with Ajax, of course, but this is on a whole different level. I’m just realising that now because I’m playing now,” Timber revealed.
“I’ve watched the team from a distance and they were machines last year. We have to be the same this year because our competition, our opponents that want the same, are machines as well. So, we have to be on that level every single time. It’s not easy, but I think we have a really good squad, a good staff and good fans that will push us all the way.”
After a sensational win against Paris Saint-Germain midweek, Arsenal host Southampton in the Premier League this weekend.
