Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly open to playing in a different position after thriving on Netherlands' duty. Fresh from a commanding display for the Dutch against Malta, the 24-year-old has shown that his football intelligence and adaptability make him one of the most complete players in Europe right now.
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ToggleTimber’s rise has been nothing short of sensational. After fighting his way back from a devastating injury that kept him out for most of last season, the Dutch star is now thriving for both club and country, with his performances catching the eye of Koeman. When the Dutch manager handed Timber a start in the Netherlands’ 4-0 demolition of Malta in World Cup qualifying, few expected him to be deployed as a central defender. But in true Timber fashion, he embraced the challenge and bossed it. It was his first start for the Oranje in almost a year, and he didn’t waste a second of it. Playing the full 90 minutes beside the experienced Virgil van Dijk, Timber looked as if he had never been away. The duo snuffed out every Maltese attack and led from the back as the Dutch cruised to a clean sheet and a statement win.
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After the game, Timber’s comments summed up exactly why managers love him. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I play wherever the manager needs me. I think it's one of my strengths that I can play in multiple positions.”
However, he was quick to credit his international partner, saying: "I've been able to prove myself at centre-back, and of course, someone like Virgil makes it easier. We kept a clean sheet, we're scoring good goals. So we can be quite satisfied."
Timber's flexibility has made him a priceless asset for both Koeman and Arteta. While he was tasked with marshalling the heart of defence for the Netherlands, Arteta has often used him as a right-back at Arsenal, a position he has made his own with tireless energy and pinpoint precision. As a reward, Arsenal have opened talks over a new contract, with Arteta personally pushing to get the deal over the line as quickly as possible. When asked if the player will get a raise, the Spaniard said: "Yes, 100 per cent. And especially the players that they want to be with us, and we want to attach our futures with them. And Jurrien is a really good example of someone that, especially under very difficult circumstances with a very early injury in his career, with a really difficult injury, the way he’s come back and what he’s doing for the team, it's phenomenal.
“I think he’s a really good example of another one that hopefully is going to have a long career with us. I rate him a lot. I don’t know how people rate him, but hopefully a lot because when you’re talking about a total player, he has almost every quality that you want from a defender.”
Arsenal’s transformation under Arteta has been relentless. After three straight seasons finishing as runners-up, the Gunners have learned the hard way what it takes to sustain a title challenge. This year, however, there’s a new sense of belief. The club’s summer business has already turned heads, most notably the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, the powerful Swedish forward signed to ease the attacking burden on Bukayo Saka. Martin Odegaard continues to pull the strings in midfield, William Saliba anchors the defence, and David Raya provides calm assurance between the sticks. Yet, amid all the star power, it’s Timber who Jack Wilshere sees as Arsenal’s silent game-changer. Speaking on , Wilshere was full of praise for the Dutch defender’s influence across the pitch and said: "The one that I really love is Timber. I think, apart from number nine and in goal, he gives you something in every single position. He’s aggressive, he wins his duels, he looks like a leader."
In just over a year since joining from Ajax, Timber has racked up 60 appearances for the Gunners, a staggering figure considering his time out injured. This season alone, he’s started six of Arsenal’s eight games across the Premier League and Champions League, seamlessly adapting to whatever tactical system Arteta deploys. With confidence soaring and a new contract on the horizon, Timber will next be in action when Arsenal face Fulham on October 18. Arteta is expected to start him once again, with his defensive versatility giving the Gunners options both in wide areas and centrally.