Despite Arsenal losing to Manchester United in a preseason game in New York, USA, Mikel Arteta praised Jurrien Timber.
The eight players that were substituted during the game included Lisandro Martinez, who was involved in a contentious incident with Bukayo Saka while playing as a right-back for Arsenal against Manchester United.
Jurrien Timber was on the field when Erik ten Hag’s team scored both goals, but Mikel Arteta stated in his post-game press conference that he was’really satisfied’ with what he observed from the 22-year-old.
It was intriguing to see Timber play right-back because for the duration of Ajax’s previous campaign, he was positioned in the middle of the defence.
This is yet another unmistakable indication that, although though Timber will offer extra protection for Arsenal’s center-backs this year, his ultimate goal is to replace Ben White in the starting lineup.
Arteta believes that Arsenal’s newcomer is now playing with “confidence” and “determination.”
“With Jurrien, really pleased with his performance and the things we asked him to do,” Arteta added.
He is obviously adjusting to the team very fast because of his apparent confidence and tenacity on the field.
Timber getting off to a good start
Early indications from the adaptable defender are encouraging, and it now appears likely that he will mostly be vying for that right-back position.
If that occurs, Arteta will be able to tuck towards the middle of the ground and play as a midfielder alongside his right-sided fullback.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was the only Arsenal full-back who could do that in the past; however, they can now do it on both sides.
