Arsenal Signing Jurrien Timber: The Defender Who Could Be the Club’s Best Long-Term Acquisition
Arsenal fans may not know much about 22-year-old defender Jurrien Timber, but he could well prove to be the club’s best long-term signing. Mikel Arteta was keen to bring Timber to Emirates Stadium due to his defensive solidity, great ability to read the game and strong ball control. According to former manager Michael Reiziger, Arteta has every reason to be thrilled about the acquisition.
## Early Career and Development
Timber and his twin brother Quinten started their footballing careers at Feyenoord’s academy in 2008 before moving to rivals Ajax in 2014. Four years later they made their professional debuts within weeks of each other in Ajax’s second team in the Dutch second tier.
Reiziger remembers their rapid development. “They were bosses in the team, but in a really good way,” he says. “They always wanted to win.” With Quinten operating in midfield, Jurrien focused on the defensive side of the team, where he was of big value to Reiziger because of his versatility.
Reiziger attributes the same qualities to Timber’s twin brother Quinten, who initially travelled the same path. Both started at Feyenoord’s academy in 2008 before moving to rivals Ajax in 2014.Four years later they made their professional debuts within weeks of each other in Ajax’s second team in the Dutch second tier.
Reiziger remembers their rapid development. “They were bosses in the team, but in a really good way,” he says. “They always wanted to win.” With Quinten operating in midfield, Jurrien focused on the defensive side of the team, where he was of big value to Reiziger because of his versatility.
## Versatility and Leadership
Reiziger made the step from the second team himself, becoming Ten Hag’s assistant. “Jurrien played the first half a year in the reserves, but trained almost always with us,” says Reiziger. “The transition was easy for him.” Things were sometimes too easy for him in the second team and therefore he was not getting the maximum out of himself. But that changed in the first team as much more is demanded of players. But you noticed he was able to keep up with the level of the first team and that was great to see.”
Timber was lucky with all the former defenders at Ajax at the time – assistant Winston Bogarde and under-19 coach John Heitinga were also on hand to share their experience and knowledge.” He has been growing up with defenders,” laughs Reiziger. “I would give him details, like how you solve situations defensively, for example.”
As Timber’s development accelerated he was invited for a winter training camp with the first team under then manager Erik ten Hag. In March 2020 he made his first-team debut at Heerenveen, just before Covid-19 brought an end to the season. The following year came his big breakthrough, conquering a regular spot and operating mostly at centre-back.
Reiziger believes Timber is ready to make the step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League.”He can do it, especially at a club like Arsenal as it is a footballing team who often has the ball and who puts opponents under pressure,” says Reiziger.”That suits him. And he can also play with space in his back, as he has been growing up playing high up the pitch.”
## Comparisons with Van Dijk
In some way, Timber’s game is reminiscent of Virgil van Dijk’s – both are calm in one-on-one situations, anticipating strikers’ movements and choosing the right moment to intervene. Their reading of the game makes them stand out, as well as being able to receive the ball in pressured situations.
Van Dijk praised Timber’s development, saying he was not nearly as far along at the same age, describing him as a great player and true professional. Timber uses his body well to hold players off, which is also demonstrated with his very well-timed blocks and sliding tackles.
## Ready for Premier League Action
Timber’s impressive technique and ball control come in handy when going forward, but his defensive characteristics are equally impressive. Reiziger believes Timber is ready to make the step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League.”He can do it, especially at a club like Arsenal as it is a footballing team who often has the ball and who puts opponents under pressure,” says Reiziger.”That suits him. And he can also play with space in his back, as he has been growing up playing high up the pitch.”
At Arsenal there are only top players, so he will have to compete and show that he is the one who has to play.”But that is the great thing about it, that’s why I think he is ready for that step. Every game you have to be the best. So this move will only make him better.”
Jurrien Timber may be an unknown quantity to Arsenal fans right now but his qualities suggest he could be an excellent long-term signing for Mikel Arteta’s side. His defensive solidity, great ability to read the game and strong ball control make him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s style of play and could help them challenge for silverware next season.