Ryan Gravenberch has featured against Arsenal on several instances now.
While the Dutchman has won the Premier League title with Liverpool this season, he perhaps needs no reminding of the quality at the Gunners’ disposal.
Ryan Gravenberch was especially witness to Arsenal’s class as a side when both teams drew 2-2 earlier this season where it could be argued that Mikel Arteta’s side dominated for the majority of the contest.
However, Andy Robertson pinpointed Liverpool’s consistency as the reason behind their title triumph — which has led to Arne Slot pipping Arteta to domestic glory.
But Gravenberch will be wary of the threat Arsenal could pose next season, especially as he knows how good some of their players are such as his Dutch teammate Jurrien Timber.
Ryan Gravenberch says Jurrien Timber is the ‘best one-v-one defender in the world’
In a recent Q&A session with the Champions League, Ryan Gravenberch made his feelings clear on Timber.
When quizzed about who he reckons is the best one-v-one defender in the world, Gravenberch picked Timber, who has impressed at Arsenal this season.
But the Liverpool technician picked Reds defender Virgil van Dijk as the best player in the world when it comes to his dominance in the air.
Even Van Dijk praised Timber as it seems both him and Gravenberch amongst the Dutch players realise how terrific a defender he is.
Why Mikel Arteta always thought Jurrien Timber was “unbelievable”
Mikel Arteta described Timber as “unbelievable” and what always made him special is how his presence improves his teammate’s displays, something Gravenberch will be hoping occurs with the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup as well.
Arteta lauded the £38 million (Sky Sports) man in August last year: “Yes, key, he is an unbelievable player. He’s already earned the respect and admiration of all of us without playing.”
“That’s an unbelievable thing to do after just one season. His leadership, his composure, his skill, the way he competes, we are desperate to have him on that pitch.”
Mikel Arteta continued to laud Timber: “I think he will bring so much to the team.”
“The teammates love him, he makes them better, the way he coaches, he leads, he’s the first one there, he loves the game, he wants to improve, he is an unbelievable player and he’s going to have a huge impact.”
The only worry for Mikel Arteta could be that Timber dreams of playing for Barcelona as well as Real Madrid but based on how the Gunners are progressing in the Champions League, he has no reason to bid farewell to the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.
