Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber played the full 90 minutes during the Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier last night.
Ronald Koeman’s side were overwhelming favourites to beat Malta on the road, and secured a comfortable victory as predicted.
Timber has been a regular right-back during his time at Arsenal, but he played in a different role at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium yesterday.
The 24-year-old partnered Virgil van Dijk in central defence, with Denzel Dumfries and Micky van de Ven occupying the full-back positions.
Timber had a solid outing. He completed the most passes in the game (75) from 92 touches with an accuracy of more than 95 percent.
The Gunners ace created two chances, while making three recoveries and two clearances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently described Timber as a ‘total player‘ and said that he has almost every quality required from a defender.
Timber was predominantly a centre-back at his boyhood club Ajax. He made more than 100 competitive appearances in the heart of the defence.
However, he has been transformed into a regular full-back at Arsenal. Timber can operate on either side, but has established himself on the right.
Still, Arteta will no doubt be pleased with Timber getting minutes as a central defender for his country.
The £48 million-rated star put in a solid display and showed he can be a solution for the role at Arsenal if William Saliba is rested or unavailable.
Cristhian Mosquera has been the immediate backup for Saliba, but Timber has the qualities to slot in the right centre-back position if required.
The Netherlands have another World Cup qualifier against Finland on Sunday. Timber looks poised to start before reporting back to London Colney.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
