How Will Jurrien Timber Fit at Arsenal?

Not Jurrien Timber again. Timber has been part of an exhausting transfer saga that has spanned over a season. After his move to Manchester United fell through last season, it seems as if Timber’s wish to be in the Premier League will finally come true by playing under Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Over the past few years, Timber ranks as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe. While last season wasn’t as successful and he seemed a bit exposed in the World Cup, his player profile consists of many world-class qualities which make him a mouth-watering prospect for the Gunners’ fans and for Arteta a Swiss knife of sorts who can use him in many different roles.

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Jurrien Timber And His Arsenal Fit

Versatility as a Progressive Defender

Timber is an instantaneous fit in London – but even if he wasn’t, he is a great buy for his versatility and the ability to develop him into a world-class player in various positions. Currently, he plays predominantly in the right centre-back position for his club and national side, however, he does tend to make runs into midfield. His press resistance and composure on the ball, coupled with his passing ability make a conversion to inverted full-back very plausible allowing him to dominate midfield channels in attack. For now, it could be possible that he plays the Ben White role as a third defender but has the freedom to make surges into open space when possible.

The 22-year-old’s ball-playing abilities rank amongst the best in Europe. For this spectacular ability, he will fit perfectly into Arteta’s archetype of progressive and confident defenders. Last season, he had more than 70% of his touches within the midfield and attacking third. His ball retention was in the 88th percentile in the Champions League, while his link-up passing ranked in the 95th percentile in the UCL. His progressive passes and passes into the final third are ranked in the top percentile and are better than 99% of defenders.

While Gabriel was a pivotal part of the Gunners’ success last season, the Dutch international’s ability to surge into spaces with nonchalance and play passes into wingers will be a major upgrade and will help the Arsenal manager organise Gabriel with a higher defensive priority.

Timber’s press resistance and game awareness is the salient feature of his success as a progressive passer. His incredible press resistance and nonchalance on the ball make him instantly Premier League material. Despite his smaller frame, His ability to tilt his body shape, scan all angles and make the right pass makes him incredibly unique. Such high press resistance is rarely seen across centre-halves in Europe.

Defensive Fit within Arteta’s System

Arteta’s strong preference to possess the ball at a high volume, through a high-pressing system and a high line, will bring out the best in this player. With Ajax, he has experience of being in a high-pressing system at centre half. Timber will be able to ease into a similar role for Arsenal. Despite an immense passing ability, his passing range may require a slight adjustment. Currently, the Dutch defender is a heavily horizontal passer whose primary instinct is looking for the wingers. This isn’t a major issue though, as the Gunners love playing out wide to get Martinelli and Saka involved. His ability to pass and run through vertical spaces will be essential to function within Arsenal’s system.

The Dutch international’s defensive abilities are well-rounded. His game awareness and composure on the defensive end can be raw and he can make rash challenges by going to the ground at a high rate. He is a great physical man-marker.

In the Dutch Cup final last season, he was tasked with man-marking Luuk de Jong. Timber stifled any attacking threat from the striker with his skilful body positioning ensuring he was always tight to De Jong but also in the right position to make tackles and blocks. Arteta will certainly have to discipline aspects of Timber’s defensive game, there may even be a few lapses in concentration initially.

However, over time, his upside should come to fruition. It would not be a surprise to see him play in various roles and per se take on a role similar to Zinchenko’s or even John Stones – after all, Arteta’s tactics have a heavy Pep Guardiola influence. If Arsenal finalises the signing of Timber, there is no doubt that they have found themselves a defender who will coherently fit into their playing style.

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