Former Ajax star Ronald de Boer has praised young Dutch defender Jurrien Timber and believes that he has what it takes to play for Manchester City one day.
Jurrien Timber is another one of the young stars who has come through the Ajax academy. Timber was promoted into the senior squad from the Under 21 side last season. Since his debut, the young centre-half has made a total of 56 appearances for Ajax in all competitions. In this time he has recorded three goals and one assist. (stats via Transfermart)
This season he has become a mainstay in Erik Ten Haag’s squad and has become a key player. He has made a total of 25 appearances in all competitions. He has recorded two goals and one assit this term. (stats via Tranfermarkt)
What Ronald de Boer said about the young star?
Taking to the Ziggo Sport’s Rondo about the young centre-half, he said:
“I think Timber is really great. He plays so well,”
“He dominates and has peace on the ball. It is unprecedented. But would he, because he is 1.78 metres tall, also be able to play in the Premier League against Lukaku or another top striker?
“Will clubs go for that? It depends what kind of club you go to. I think he can join Manchester City like that. There he plays with a lot of space at his back.”
Can Jurrien Timber flourish in the Premier League?
There is no doubt on the potential and ability of the 20-year-old. The youngster always looks comfortable playing in the heart of the defence and his performances in the Champions League this term make a case for themselves. But many youngsters have struggled to adapt to the physical stature of the Premier League, after moving to the league at a young age.
This term he has averaged 2.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1-1 clearances per game in the Eredivisie. On top of that, he has maintained an impressive 91.9% pass completion rate in the league this term. At just 20, those stats show that Timber can certainly excel in the Premier League. (stats via Whoscored)
Manchester City are currently hold the best defensive record in the league. They have let in just 13 goals in 22 league games this term. Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte have been the first choice centre-half pairing this term.
The example of Eric Garcia can also be taken up in this case. The young Spanish defender showed good technical ability whilst his time in Manchester. But the young defender struggled to adapt to the physical nature of Premier League football.
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