Amid all of the injuries Arsenal have suffered this season, Jurrien Timber’s continued fitness should be seen as a real positive.
Timber missed almost the entirety of his debut season at Arsenal owing to a knee injury suffered during the opening Premier League game of the season.
And now back fit, the Dutchman has had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders this season given the absence of both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back.
However, Timber has coped admirably with the amount of games he’s had to start with limited turnaround, a defender who will continue to be crucial for Mikel Arteta.
Of course, Timber now has a new partner on the right wing – young Hale End sensation Ethan Nwaneri.
The 17-year-old is already doing a remarkable job of covering for Bukayo Saka, and his performances have certainly caught the eye of his Dutch teammate.
Jurrien Timber is excited to be part of Ethan Nwaneri’s journey at Arsenal
Ahead of facing PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, a side Timber often dueled with in an Ajax shirt, the defender was asked about Nwaneri when appearing at Arsenal’s press conference.
Speaking via Hayters TV, Timber was asked what he thought about young Nwaneri’s potential, who is almost certain to start against PSV.
Timber said he was excited to see what the future holds for his young teammate, who he was actually hoping could make the difference in the first-leg of Arsenal’s Champions League tie.
Asked about Nwaneri’s development and ability to fit in Arsenal’s first team group, Timber replied: “Yeah I think it’s amazing to see, amazing to be a part of, yeah I can’t wait [to see] what the future holds for him.
“Hopefully tomorrow he can show a little bit of magic, as well.”
Arsene Wenger suggested that Ethan Nwaneri might switch positions
Although Nwaneri has come through for Arsenal as a right-winger first and foremost, Arsene Wenger recently hinted at future position change for the Hale End graduate.
Wenger was speaking to beIN SPORTS and said that Nwaneri reminded him of Cesc Fabregas, suggesting that Nwaneri might one day be well suited to central midfield role.
Wenger said: “Nwaneri is more of a creator of a final ball through his dribbling and the quality of his passing.
“Of course, Fabregas was very strong mentally, but this boy looks it as well.
“When I look at him and his maturity, it’s difficult for me to think he’s 17-years-old. The sign of a special talent is that they’re ready early.”
A superb young talent, and it speaks volumes that Nwaneri’s starting spot isn’t even up for debate against PSV.
That being said, Arteta needs to make one important change when the Gunners restart their Champions League campaign.
