There is healthy competition for places across multiple positions in the Arsenal squad.
Mikel Arteta will welcome this competition, and will want every player in his squad feeling that they are in a fight for a place at the top of the pecking order.
In certain positions this competition is more fierce than others, and Jurrien Timber is now making up for lost time at the Emirates Stadium by making a statement that he ought to be the Gunners’ first choice right-back.
Jurrien Timber proves point at Arsenal
The Dutch defender missed out on almost the entirety of his first season in North London, after sustaining an ACL injury on the first day of the new Premier League campaign last time around.
As such, the former Ajax man was not able to establish himself in Arteta’s plans or nail down a place in the regular starting XI. What’s more the 23-year-old’s natural versatility means that he has often been called upon to plug gaps in the backline as and when they have appeared.
However, Timber used his time wisely whilst he was sidelined, studying Arteta’s tactics, to ensure that he would slot comfortably into the side upon his return.
This preparation has now paid off as the Netherlands international is enjoying a run in the team and is impressing on a regular basis. Timber was once again excellent as Arsenal put West Ham United to the sword on Saturday evening.
How will Ben White respond to new challenge?
Ben White’s injury has opened the door for Timber to stake his claim to be the first-choice right-back. Whilst the former Brighton man has undergone surgery, Timber is threatening his status in the squad.
White has never really known this kind of competition before in his time at the club so far. Due to Timber’s long-term layoff last season, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s own poor fitness record, and a lack of other quality options in that part of the pitch, the Englishman has made the role his own.
As impressive as White has been for Arsenal, the pressure on him to play week in, week out has taken its toll. White has been described as a “warrior” before for his ability to play through pain.
Timber has now eased this burden on the full-back, but he represents a new threat. It will be fascinating to see how White confronts this battle upon his return.
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