Troy Deeney has accused Mikel Arteta of abusing Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.
The Dutch defender has been one of the standout performers for the Gunners at the start of this season, although he has mainly played an unfamiliar left-back role.
Timber’s form has been welcomed by Arsenal fans after injury effectively denied him his debut season at the Emirates Stadium in 2023/24, following his £38m move from Ajax (for Sky Sports).
The 23-year-old has won more possession in the defensive third than any other Arsenal player this season (7).
But while Timber excels at left-back, former Watford striker Deeney still believes he would be better placed in a more familiar right-back role.
“I still think they needed a striker and I’m still not convinced long-term with Timber as a left-back, I think he’s naturally a right-back and he’s more natural there. You have to look at the injuries in the season and the loss of Odegaard is huge,” Deeney said (via TBR).
Wood, a vital asset for Arsenal
Timber is very likely to move back to right back or even his central defender spot once the summer arrives, with Riccardo Calafiori fully fit and up to speed on English football.
However, that Timber has performed so well on his weak side, even keeping natural left-footer Oleksandr Zinchenko out of the team at times, is a testament to his skill and versatility. Invaluable products for a team chasing a Premier League title.
Top photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
