Almost every Arsenal player deserves praise for the way they have performed over the last two years.
Mikel Arteta has built an incredible squad, and after getting close to winning the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons, they are hoping that this will be their campaign.
Arsenal have had a good start to the season. They are unbeaten in all competitions and are just a point off the top of the Premier League table.
A number of players have impressed, but one of them seems to have caught Micah Richards’ eye for one particular reason.
Micah Richards raves about Jurrien Timber after what he has done at Arsenal
Jurrien Timber joined Arsenal from Ajax in the summer of 2023.
The Dutchman produced a few unbelievable performances in the Gunners’ pre-season tour in the United States. He was very impressive in the Community Shield win over Manchester City too.
Every Arsenal fan was expecting a big debut season from Timber, but the versatile defender suffered a serious knee injury on his Premier League debut.
That kept him out for almost all of the campaign, which was a big blow for Arsenal. His availability could’ve made a serious difference.
Timber has played in every game for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season. He has been magnificent in all his appearances as well.
Richards, who knows the full-back position really well, has been very impressed with Timber – not just because of his quality on the pitch but also because of how he has hit the ground running after his injury.
Players who have suffered ACL injuries often take a few months to return to their best, if not longer. Timber, however, has been top-class since his return. That is not normal.
Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast: “You know who has been outstanding? Timber! Obviously, he had his bad injury, but he can play left-back, he can play right-back.
“When you have that long-term injury, I think it was a knee injury, it was his cruciate, it takes you a while to get back before you sort of get into your peak fitness.
“But, he has come straight into the team and he looks fresh as anything. What a signing he has been!”
Listen to ‘The Rest Is Football‘ wherever you get your podcasts.
What Arsenal could’ve achieved if Timber was fit in 2023/24?
Arsenal took the Premier League title race to the final day of the 2023/24 season.
The Gunners fell just two points short of Manchester City in the end, which was just heartbreaking. They did almost everything right but still couldn’t get over the line.
One of Arsenal’s biggest problems last season was at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior shared responsibility in that role and both players had their struggles.
If Timber was fit, he would’ve done a much better job in that role, and that could’ve probably helped Arsenal drop two fewer points. If that had happened, they would’ve been crowned as the Premier League champions.
Hopefully, Timber’s availability now will get them over the line this term.