A stronger Timber ready to make up for lost time
During his prolonged injury layoff last season, Jurrien Timber – looking for silver linings – told us he had used the time wisely, learning more about his teammates, his new club and Premier League football.
Speaking in an exclusive programme interview back in February, he said: “These months will definitely make me stronger. It’s an opportunity for me to do well. So even though I’m not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically, and also to feel at home with this group of boys.
“It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands. I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, how I can fit in when I get on the pitch, so looking at the positives, I think there have been many.”
The Dutch defender made his long-awaited return on the final day of last season – meaning he played in just the Premier League opener and closing fixture in his debut campaign after signing from Ajax in July 2023.
During that cameo against Everton in May, he looked absolutely determined to make up for lost time – snapping into two tackles, winning a corner and picking up a booking – all within three minutes of coming on.
“I just wanted to be involved, to give my energy, give the team some energy,” he said afterwards. “I think they needed it and I think it came out good.”
It was the same when he came on again against Wolves on the opening day this term. So the signs are that the 23-year-old has been good to his word, and invested his time wisely while forced away from the pitch last term.
