After a stunning outing for the Netherlands on October 10, 2025, Jurrien Timber has become the talk of the football world — and not just for his performance. The Netherlands coach dropped a bold statement that’s causing waves across Europe, claiming Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has been using the young defender all wrong. According to him, Timber’s brilliance shines brighter when he’s allowed to roam further up the pitch, not locked down in the defensive third as he often is for Arsenal.
Timber, who arrived at Arsenal from Ajax back in 2023, has mainly been stationed as a right-back or sometimes a center-back. But in the Netherlands’ latest fixture, the coach pushed him higher up the right flank — and suddenly, the world saw a different Timber. Quick, sharp, and precise, he tore through opposition lines with ease. His energy and tactical awareness screamed of a player built for more than just defending.
The coach didn’t mince words afterward. “Arteta’s using him wrongly,” he said flatly in his post-match comments. “Jurrien’s got the pace, intelligence, and creativity to dominate the wing. He’s not meant to sit deep; he’s meant to fly forward.” That statement alone lit up the football community, sparking debate over whether Arteta’s rigid system is holding back one of his most dynamic players.
Arsenal fans are now buzzing. Many have long admired Timber’s calmness and discipline at the back, but few imagined he could excel in an attack-heavy role. His showing for the Netherlands suggested a new version of the modern full-back — one who’s just as dangerous creating chances as stopping them. With Arsenal’s injury struggles and the constant tactical tweaks under Arteta, Timber’s adaptability could be exactly what the team needs.
In that Netherlands match, Timber reportedly covered the most ground on the pitch. His runs down the wing were relentless, his crosses deadly, and his recovery pace unmatched. Dutch outlets raved about him, calling him “a defender reborn with attacking wings.” It was a clear message — give Timber freedom, and he’ll deliver fireworks.
At Arsenal, however, that freedom has been scarce. Arteta’s style relies on structured buildup play and defensive balance, often reining in his full-backs. While the system has delivered stability, it might also be shackling Timber’s true potential. The Netherlands coach’s suggestion opens a new question for Arteta: is it time to let Timber off the leash?
Social media didn’t take long to erupt. Fans flooded timelines with takes like, “Arteta doesn’t know the diamond he’s got,” and “Imagine Timber and Saka bombing down the right together!” The idea of unlocking Timber’s attacking side has set expectations sky-high. Everyone’s waiting to see whether Arteta will experiment or stick to his calculated patterns.
For Timber, this might be a career-defining moment. After battling injury setbacks last season, he’s been hungry to prove his worth. Playing in a freer, attacking role could rejuvenate his form and boost Arsenal’s creativity in tight matches. As the Gunners gear up for a packed schedule, the ball’s now in Arteta’s court — will he heed the Dutch coach’s warning and unleash Timber in his rightful spot, or keep him confined to defence? Either way, one thing’s clear: Jurrien Timber has just reminded everyone he’s not just a defender — he’s a game-changer waiting to explode.
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