"He’s come from the shadow and then perform the way he did" - Ex-Arsenal star hails 'absolutely brilliant' Gunners man

Former Arsenal defender Lauren has hailed Jurrien Timber's performances in the last two seasons. He heaped praise on his mentality and his abilities in both areas of the pitch.

Arsenal signed Timber from Ajax for a reported fee of £38 million in the summer of 2023. However, he suffered a long-term injury and hence, he barely featured in the 2023-24 season. He returned last season and has been a key player for the Gunners ever since.

Timber has also become the north London side's first-choice right-back over Ben White. Lauding the Dutch defender, Lauren told Metro:

"First of all, I was with the club three years ago in the USA and I met all the squad and I met Timber. This guy came from a very bad injury. First of all, he has proved his mental strength in order to get back to the highest level. He’s come from the shadow and then perform the way he did." "Secondly, in the pitch he’s been absolutely brilliant, especially in bringing the ball out from the back. We are at Arsenal, we know how to be good getting the ball from the back and start to play," he added.

Timber has made 16 appearances across competitions this season for Arsenal, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

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Lauren hails Jurrien Timber's connection with Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has been the talisman for the Gunners in the last few years, and Timber has now formed a good relationship with him on the right flank. The two complement each other well and have helped Arsenal sit atop the Premier League standings after 11 games.

Sharing his thoughts on Timber and Saka's combination, Lauren said:

"He gets to the position in the middle of the park, and high up front next to Bukayo Saka. Sometimes we see a connection between players in the game. The two fullbacks, the people up there on the side, they have to have that kind of connection. I believe that the connection between Timber and Saka has been absolutely brilliant."

He added:

"It always open the spaces on the right-hand flank. If Bukayo comes inside, he can go outside. If Bukayo is outside, he can pop inside to be an extra men next to the people in the left. He’s been absolutely brilliant and one of the very best." "The boy has been brilliant. And there’s more to come. He’s young, so we’ve got a fullback for a long, very long time, that’s for sure. First of all, for his mentality. And secondly, on the footballing way, he’s been absolutely brilliant."

Timber will next be in action for Arsenal in the North London Derby against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at home in the Premier League on November 23.

Edited by Aditya Singh