Game-Changer Alert: Arsenal Eyeing Jurrien Timber as the New Face of Modern Full-Backs

Despite the uncertainty around Jurrien Timber's positional plans, his signing is a brilliant move for Arsenal. At just 22 years old, he has already showcased his prowess by making over 200 appearances for Ajax and achieving the highest number of passes in the Eredivisie last season. This demonstrates his exceptional skills as a confident and reliable defender.

However, it is interesting to note that Arsenal has informed the media about their intention to deploy Timber as a right-back. Considering that he has predominantly played in the center throughout his career, this decision raises eyebrows. Additionally, Timber's only experience as a right-back last season was in a 4-0 loss to France on the international stage.

But the move reflects a growing trend.

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Jurrien Timber's passing ability is a big part of his appeal to Arsenal

The Premier League has recently undergone a rapid tactical transformation. Previously, it was believed that the role of full-backs would evolve in a different manner. The focus was on attack-oriented players charging up the sidelines.

On We, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher used to playfully discuss the demise of the traditional defensive full-back. Instead, the future seemed to lie with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, who posed a threat from wider positions and played a crucial role in Liverpool's attacking strategy.

Even the highly acclaimed full-back duo in the country has been required to adapt. The transition of Alexander-Arnold to the midfield mirrors the change made by Oleksandr Zinchenko while at Arsenal. Manchester City has experimented with several players in this versatile position.

The man credited as the innovator of the reversed full-back position has acknowledged the shift. "Over the past decade, full-backs were predominantly recognized for their athleticism and physicality," shares Philipp Lahm with us. "Now, I believe there has been a slight change. There is a greater presence of technically skilled players."

However, the effect of this full-back transitioning into midfield extends beyond altering the skill-set required for that role. It also impacts the expectations placed on the other traditional full-back in the team. Consequently, the emergence of a Timber-like player has become necessary.

At Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold's positional shift has garnered more attention, whereas Robertson has been tasked with tucking inside and providing cover - a significant adjustment for him. "It resembles a back three to some extent. It's a different approach, possibly leaning towards a more cautious style of play."

As Scotland's captain, Robertson possesses enough skill and experience to adapt. However, the recurring nature of these modifications implies that players like Neville, who could switch between full-back and centre-back, and Carragher, who could alternate between centre-back and full-back, are no longer deemed irrelevant.

The full-back required to join a three-man defense, while a member of the back four moves into midfield, doesn't necessarily have to possess the ability to deliver accurate crosses or cover a distance of 12 kilometers within 90 minutes. Their main focus should be on defending the ball within the penalty box.

Pep Guardiola made this clear when discussing City's title victory. "The most significant improvement this year was that all our defenders in the back four were truly exceptional defenders," he informed us. "Their priority was to win their individual battles. Inside our box, they were determined to come out on top. We lacked this aspect in the past."

Nathan Ake was chosen over Joao Cancelo, and Manuel Akanji was deployed as a full-back, surpassing Kyle Walker in crucial matches, including the Champions League final. Pep Guardiola previously favored offensive, small-sized full-backs who transitioned into midfield or made forward runs. However, there has been a recent shift in this strategy, as observed in the last few months.

Many of Guardiola's game ideas are naturally shared by his former assistant Mikel Arteta. At Arsenal, they have utilized Ben White, who previously played as a central defender at Brighton, to bring balance to the team, while Zinchenko joins the midfield line.

The recent signing of Timber appears to confirm Arsenal's commitment to this idea going forward. However, in reality, White has mostly interpreted his role in a more traditional manner, often overlapping with Bukayo Saka. Nevertheless, this could potentially result in Arsenal reverting back to a more explicitly defined three-man defense.

Surprisingly, Arsenal committed the most errors resulting in shots in the Premier League last season, even surpassing the combined total of the other three top-four teams. They displayed some vulnerability in ball possession and were exposed during transitional moments.

In their pursuit of improvement, Arteta will surely take note of this. Timber's versatility enables him to fulfill the role of a center-back and even assume midfield responsibilities if required. With this new acquisition, it is anticipated that he will contribute significantly in finding a solution and restoring the much-needed balance.

Jurrien Timber looks a smart acquisition. It could also be a symbolic one. A prime example of the changing profile of the modern full-back.