New role for Jurrien Timber? Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirms defender could be fielded in fresh position this season
Arsenal boss Mikal Arteta has revealed that he could field centre-back Jurrien Timber in a new position this season.
Timber joined Arsenal from Ajax last summer in a highly anticipated move for the Dutchman. However, just two games into the season, Timber suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and was only able to return for the Gunners’ last game of the season. The 23-year-old is now fully fit and in contention to start games again.
However, Arsenal have seen the rise of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Slaiba as a centre-back pairing, as the duo led Arteta’s side to the most clean sheets in the Premier League as the Gunners conceded only 29 goals in 38 league matches. The return of Timber and the signing of Riccardo Calafiori has now brought upon the question as to where the Dutchman will fit in. Arteta has now suggested that Timber could ply his trade in midfield.
When speaking to the media, Arteta was asked whether Timber is in contention to play in midfield, to which he said: “Yeah, he is. He can play in various positions. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. We missed him for 11 months. It’s great to have him back. He played some quality minutes the other day. Like Alex [Zinchenko] did too. I think Alex [Zinchenko] was really good in the first 60 minutes against Wolves. Having that capacity to find what the squad needs in that minute is really valued.”
The Dutchman has only made four appearances so far for Arsenal and he will be hoping that he can get a start from Arteta when the Gunners take on Aston Villa on August 24.
