Arsenal's summer signing Eberechi Eze has expressed his astonishment at the quality of teammate Jurrien Timber, admitting the Dutch defender has surpassed even his highest expectations since arriving at the Emirates.
From Ajax to Arsenal excellence
The versatile defender made his move to north London just over two years ago, transferring from Ajax amid longstanding Premier League interest. Timber's debut campaign was dramatically shortened by injury, but he has since reclaimed his place emphatically, establishing himself as Mikel Arteta's first-choice right-back this season.
Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, acknowledged he expected to find a squad brimming with talent when he moved across the capital. However, Timber's level has proven extraordinary even among such company.
Special player, special person
Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast, Eze revealed: "Everyone is sort of what you expect them to be. The expectation of all the players is high. I'll say one player who has gone even beyond the high expectation I already had - because I'd heard good things about him - was Jurrien Timber. He's a special player and a special guy."
The England international emphasised the inspiring environment at Arsenal, noting: "I think for me, in an environment of people and you have a culture that is geared towards improving, these guys all want to improve. So for me it's a pleasure to be part of it and to see guys like him who perform the way they perform, who carry themselves the way they carry themselves. It's inspiring, for sure."
Record-breaking defensive solidity
Timber has been instrumental in Arsenal's formidable defensive displays this season. The Gunners have maintained an impressive four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League recently and boast a perfect record in the Champions League, having won all four of their group stage matches without conceding a single goal.
This defensive resilience has drawn praise from across the football world, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville recently declaring Timber as the best full-back currently playing in the Premier League.
On The Overlap, Neville stated: "Jurrien Timber is the best full-back in the league at the moment. I think Timber is almost, in my mind, I would class as being... do you know the guy that plays for Real Madrid? Carvajal. For me, he's the best. And I think Timber's the nearest to him at the moment."
As Arsenal continue to challenge on multiple fronts, Timber's contributions from the right-back position have become increasingly vital to their success, earning him admiration from teammates and pundits alike.
