Dutch fullback Jurien Timber has embarked on a wonderful adventure at Arsenal. Speaking ahead of facing PSG in the Champions League, he reveals how the challenges of playing for the Gunners are at a whole different level compared to out West. Let’s dive into his story.
In July 2023, Timber’s Arsenal service was secured in a deal which is up to £38.5 million. But fate caught cruel on him when he picked up an ACL injury in the open game of the 2023/24 season. Jurien Timber spent months in rehabilitation after that and returned as a substitute in the last match against Everton. Having watched Arsenal’s machine-like performances from far away, he realised how intense they needed to be at this level. The Gunners, the Gunners’ opponents and the Gunners fans all demand excellence, and an unquenchable thirst for victory.
It was proved in his first start of the 24/25 campaign – a 2-0 win over Villa – that he wasn’t a one-trick pony. Timber is originally a centre-back, who adapted very easily to the inverted left-back role. For Arteta though as a coach, it was his tactical acumen that unlocked him, and Arsenal enjoyed the dividends.
Jurien Timber Started against PSG
Arsenal’s squad gets fuller thanks to Timber’s versatility, who has played at both centre-back and left-back. Adaptability has been a key to his journey from preseason uncertainty to becoming a player who can fall into crucial starts. The fans love his willingness and his work ethic is like that of the team. Timber’s role becomes crucial as he faces PSG.
Once a Galaxy of stars—Neymar, Messi, Mbappé, PSG now looks transformed. They had a different landscape because of Kylian Mbappé’s departure. Yet, they remain formidable. New signings like Joao Neves and the ever-dangerous Randal Kolo Muani reassure them are no pushovers. But Timber remains undaunted. He might not have played against them before but knows theirs. Arsenal’s rise in the Champions League is giving them confidence.
So Emirates does, and Timber and his teammates do. The pitch is lit up by the floodlights and the crowd roars. Turns out it’s more of a clash of ambition, resilience and the route to becoming a footballer. Timber’s boots settle onto the hallowed turf.
Downfall of PSG?
It could be images of floodlit football stadiums and anthems or the nerve-wracking moments of the grand theatre of European football; the Champions League. But it’s still very alien to Timber and his Arsenal chums. In the Premier League, they’ve taken on the likes of Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea. They’ve known what that adrenaline feels like, the weight of expectation, the noise of the fans.
So, what’s the secret? When you think about someone like a PSG or a Bayern Munich, how do you approach them without shaking in your boots? They’ve felt the adrenaline rush, the weight of expectations, the roar of the fans.
Timber spoke ahead of PSG game said “I think a lot of players played a lot of big games. Of course, the Champions League is a bit different,” the 23-year-old repeats. “I think the games are a bit different. But, it’s not really different from the big games we have in the Premier League games. So, a lot of players know. I don’t need to tell them how they need to play tomorrow or how they need to prepare for these big games, but obviously we need to play with a lot of courage and just be who we are and show that tomorrow.”
Timber is injured again, he seems to be an important player now. Arteta needs to find a good rotation cycle for left backs.
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