Mikel Arteta praises and signals bright future for Timber at Arsenal. In a positive step for the club, Arsenal have entered discussions with defender Jurriën Timber for a new deal. This is something which manager Mikel Arteta’s complemented with strong endorsement that points to the Dutchman’s decisive importance to the club for moving forward.
A “Total Player”
The comments of the manager (in a pre-match press conference) left no doubt he was impressed. “He is phenomenal. Moreover, a total player,” Arteta said of the 24-year-old defender. This is a testament to the one-of-a-kid, versatile skill set of Jurriën Timber. “What we have in Jurriën is a total player,” praises Mikel Arteta. Moreover, this also indicates to the fact that he was not just a footballer with one position and a limited range of responsibility.
A Engine of Versatility
Timber’s technical ability, his comfort on the ball, and his tactical awareness make him capable of playing as a central defender, a full-back, or even an inverted full-back that can come inside to a midfield area. This versatility is a key area of Arteta’s nested tactical system, hence Timber’s excellent fit within it. The term “phenomenal” goes beyond just being able to play in a number of positions, and also includes his explosive recovery speed, his aggressive nature defensively, and the range of passing to get through the lines.
Author’s Opinion
This new contract isn’t simply a reward, but a calculated statement of intent. The Gunners are looking to secure Timber’s long-term future at the club. This also means that Arsenal are making an investment in a cog of ‘their project’. Mikel Arteta recognizes Jurriën Timber with the best of his bets. He is not just a defender but a figure of a complete, modern footballer that could go on to characterise an era in North London.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
