Ryan Babel Lauds Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber as an Incredible Talent and a Tough Opponent

London: Former Liverpool player Ryan Babel has praised Jurrien Timber for his outstanding performance at Arsenal. Timber has made a strong start in the Premier League after joining the team from Ajax in the summer of 2023.

Despite a tough first season due to a serious knee injury that limited him to just two appearances, Timber is now a key player. He has stepped up as a reliable right-back while Ben White is sidelined with an injury.

In a recent interview, Babel described Timber as an “incredible” player. He noted that Timber can be quite challenging to get past because of his focus on the game. Babel emphasized that Timber is a great professional and a nice person off the field.

Babel recalled facing Timber during friendly matches when he played for Ajax. He found Timber to be a tough opponent, saying, “I was already thinking, ‘Who’s this defender? He’s so annoying.’” He praised Timber’s ability to read the game and his defensive skills.

While Babel believes Timber’s best position is as a center-back, he acknowledged that Timber has the versatility to play in various roles. He mentioned that Timber is calm under pressure and excels in building up plays from the back.

Timber joined Arsenal for £34 million, and expectations were high after a promising pre-season. Unfortunately, his debut season was marred by injury, which limited his contributions. He suffered a knee ligament injury in the first match against Nottingham Forest.

This season, however, Timber has regained his form and established himself as a starter. He has impressed fans with his passing, ability to make overlapping runs, and strong defensive duels. His speed also helps him recover quickly and make crucial tackles.

Babel believes that while Timber’s best position might be center-back, he could also thrive as a full-back. With established defenders like William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in central defense, Timber may continue to compete for the right-back spot alongside Ben White.

So far this season, Timber has played both right and left-back, showcasing his adaptability. As he continues to develop, he is expected to be a strong contender for a regular spot in Arsenal’s defense.