"Enormous respect": Man Utd icon says £34m Arsenal star is "so good" on the ball

Manchester United icon Jaap Stam has heaped praise on Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber for his tremendous progress since recovering from a serious knee injury.

The Netherlands international signed for the Gunners from Ajax for an initial £34 million two years ago.

He had the worst possible start as he picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Premier League curtain-raiser against Nottingham Forest in August 2023.

Timber had to wait until the final game of the season for another appearance, but he made amends during the 2024/25 campaign with an impressive 48 appearances in all competitions.

The Dutchman had a heavy workload last season after Ben White’s mid-season surgery. He was able to carry on for most of the campaign until undergoing ankle surgery in May.

In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad (via Voetbal Primeur), Stam said that he has ‘enormous respect’ for Timber due to his fantastic development following a long-term injury.

He added that the 24-year-old is ‘so good’ on the ball while also excelling with other attributes.

Stam said: “When he went to Arsenal, you often heard: Too young, don’t do it.”

“I have enormous respect for what he showed there after his serious knee injury. Right wing, left wing, central, it doesn’t matter. He’s so good on the ball, positionally strong, quick, and powerful.”

Timber has established himself as a key player under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

White’s surgery last season provided him with the platform to become a regular starter at right-back. He has grown into his role and has become a more effective attacking outlet.

The Dutchman made a late return to pre-season after his surgery, but he has had a fine start to the new Premier League campaign, registering two goals and an assist from three games.

White missed the last two matches with a minor injury concern. The Englishman is back in first-team training, but Timber should get the nod over him at right-back at the weekend.

Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways against Nottingham Forest following a late 1-0 loss at Liverpool last month. Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win for the Reds with a sensational free-kick.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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