Jurrien Timber addresses his new role at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta poised to benefit from the transfer.
Jurrien Timber’s season hasn’t gone as he envisioned when he signed with Arsenal last summer. Watching his teammates nearly clinch the Premier League title while sidelined was frustrating, but he made a significant return in their last-day win against Everton.
After the match, Timber expressed mixed feelings, saying, “It felt very good. A bit of a double emotion to be honest, because we are not champions. But it was nice after all those months to be back with the guys again.”
His relief and excitement were evident in his tone and body language, even when discussing the disappointment of missing out on the title.
Interestingly, Timber replaced Ben White in the game. He began the season at left-back, with Thomas Partey as an unconventional right-back and Gabriel Magalhaes benched. When asked if this hinted at his future position, Timber remained non-committal, emphasizing his gratitude for being back on the pitch.
“To be fair, at this point, now I am fit, I am happy if I can play,” he said. “Just being fit is nice to be there. If the coach wants to use me anywhere, I’ll play.”
Timber’s versatility was a key reason for his signing. Capable of playing across the back four, his technical skill, defensive ability, and forward-thinking approach make him valuable in any defensive position.
The crowd’s reaction was special, particularly loud when Timber’s name was announced. “That was amazing,” he said. “That made me feel really good. I had a lot of support this year from the fans, which was really nice. I think everyone knows an ACL injury is not easy, so I am really thankful for that.”
Looking ahead, Timber is eager for next season, hoping to help Arsenal challenge Manchester City and end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title. “Just being out there with those guys is a big pleasure,” he added. “I cannot wait for next season.”