The arrival of Jurrien Timber at Arsenal, initially just a versatile signing for £38 million, has now been acknowledged by a Premier League legend as the “secret” providing elite quality and depth to the Gunners’ title-chasing campaign.
Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, dedicated effusive praise to the Dutch defender on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast. According to Neville, Timber’s “game-changing” form at right-back has elevated him close to the highest level in the world, arguably second only to Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal.
The Best Right-Back in the Current Premier League
Though Mikel Arteta initially signed him in 2023 primarily as a centre-back, Timber’s versatility and adaptation to the right flank have left Neville stunned.
“Timber is the best full-back in the Premier League right now,” Neville asserted. He emphasized that the 24-year-old not only shows defensive solidity but also possesses the modern style of play coveted by every manager: aggressive attacking involvement, secure ball retention, and incredibly smart movement.
This praise is particularly notable as Neville placed Timber in the same tier as the world’s elite right-backs:
“I think Timber is almost at the same level as Carvajal—who is the best in the world right now. In terms of maintaining consistency, reading situations, and controlling the entire right flank, Timber is the closest to Carvajal at the moment.”
The “Game-Changer” Who Isn’t a Natural at the Position
What makes Timber’s surge such a genuine “bargain” and a “game-changer” is the fact that he is not a natural right-back. Before joining Arsenal, Timber predominantly played as a centre-back at Ajax. However, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Dutchman has quickly become the perfect piece in Arsenal’s fluid defensive system.
Neville believes this rapid progress stems from his footballing intelligence and confidence on the ball: “He knows when to push up, and when to drop back. Timber gives Arsenal a rare balance between defense and attack. He is not just a good defender, he is a smart footballer.”
The £38 Million Bargain and the “Most Complete” Future
After eight Premier League match weeks, Timber has proven his worth. He is not only competing fiercely with Ben White but also provides the defensive depth and tactical flexibility that manager Arteta has always sought.
Timber’s consistent form doesn’t just solidify the defense; it contributes to the Gunners’ sustained title push. For Arsenal fans, the £38 million price tag is now seen as a genuine “bargain” for a player rapidly approaching the “number one” status globally.
Gary Neville concluded with a weighty prediction: “Arsenal doesn’t need all of their players to be the absolute best, but Timber is the exception. He is very close to the highest level in the world, and I think, if he maintains this form, he will become the most complete right-back in the next few years.”
Such praise from a rival club legend indicates that Jurrien Timber is truly entering his peak phase. Arsenal has every reason to believe that in their pursuit of the title, they have found the most important “SECRET”: a “game-changing” player with the potential to redefine the standard for the modern right-back position.