Mikel Arteta has described Jurrien Timber as a great addition to the squad and said the Dutchman feels like a new Arsenal player.
Timber played 63 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Manchester United as he continues to strengthen his fitness and fitness ahead of the new season.
The 23-year-old made just two appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side last season after suffering an ACL injury against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League opener.
Arteta is full of praise for Timber
Timber joined the Gunners from Dutch giants Ajax last summer in a deal worth £38.5m, but he couldn’t have had a bad start to his career in north London.
The ACL injury he suffered on the opening weekend of the season against Forest would keep the Dutchman out for eight months, which was a huge blow for him and the team.
Timber worked hard on his fitness and returned before the end of the season, and played a few games for the under-21 team, before coming on as a substitute in the final game of the campaign against Everton.
The versatile defender is part of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of America and has started both of their matches against Bournemouth and United.
Arteta was full of praise for Timber and described him as a great addition and said he felt like a new signing.
“He is like a new signing for us, who adds a lot to the team,” said the Spaniard.
“Now he’s finding a rhythm because he’s obviously missed a lot of football over the years.
“Just look at his pressure, his leadership, his composure.”
Arteta has praised the Dutchman for having the quality that no one else in Arsenal’s defense has, and he can play all over the backline.
The Gunners already have one of the best defenses in the Premier League, and the return of Timber to their ranks, along with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori means they could be very difficult to break down next season.
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