Denis Irwin has pushed back on suggestions that Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber ranks among the world-class full-backs in football, offering a different view during a discussion on the game’s best players in that position. Timber is in the midst of what’s clearly his best spell yet, having become a central figure for Mikel Arteta at the Emirates this season.
Denis Irwin has pushed back on suggestions that Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber ranks among the world-class full-backs in football, offering a different view during a discussion on the game’s best players in that position.
Timber is in the midst of what’s clearly his best spell yet, having become a central figure for Mikel Arteta at the Emirates this season.
Arsenal are reportedly considering a new deal for Timber, reflecting how impressed they’ve been with his contributions from right-back throughout the campaign.
The Dutch defender has played his way into most conversations about top European defenders this year, but despite that recognition, one Manchester United legend isn’t quite ready to put him in the ‘world-class’ bracket just yet.
Denis Irwin: Jurrien Timber not a world-class defender
Denis Irwin, who spent 12 years with Manchester United and made 529 appearances, has said he doesn’t see Jurrien Timber as a world-class full-back, despite the defender’s excellent form at Arsenal this season.
While Irwin praised Timber’s defensive qualities and acknowledged his strong play over the past couple of seasons, he stopped short of calling him world-class.
In an interview with ESPN UK, when asked about Timber’s status in the game, Irwin replied: “Again, a great defender, but world-class?”
Irwin went on to mention Achraf Hakimi, Reece James, Milos Kerkez and Andrew Robertson as full-backs who are closer to being considered world-class.
It’s difficult to side with the former Premier League defender though. Timber is coming off another outstanding campaign for Arsenal where he started all but four games in the league.
If you look at his numbers this term compared to other players in Europe’s top five leagues he ranks in the 85th percentile for non-penalty goals plus assists per 90 minutes and is above 80% across most defensive statistics including tackles (87th), aerial duels (86th) and interceptions (84th).
What sets him apart even more is how comfortable he is playing anywhere across the backline. In situations where Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were unavailable, Mikel Arteta used him at centre-back while also relying on him at left-back during an EFL Cup tie against Chelsea.
Marseille close in on Quinten Timber signing
Arsenal are likely to miss out on Jurrien Timber’s brother, Quinten, who appears set for a move to Marseille.
The French side have reportedly agreed terms with Feyenoord for the midfielder, with only minor details left to finalise, according to FootMercato.
Arsenal have been linked with Quinten as a potential midfield cover option but haven’t moved forward with any formal offer yet.
Ethan Nwaneri is also expected to head to Marseille, with the young midfielder nearing a loan move for the remainder of the season.
Category: General Sports
