Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has faced countless defenders across the globe, but he recently admitted that one particular Arsenal defender stands out as the toughest opponent he’s ever faced — and surprisingly, it’s not William Saliba. His comment stirred up fresh debate in football circles, especially as pundits have also begun to single out this same Arsenal player for his exceptional form this season.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville added fuel to that discussion by revealing that, in his view, one Arsenal star currently reigns supreme in his position across the Premier League. This comes at a time when the player is close to finalizing a new deal that reflects his growing influence in the team. Neville’s remarks came during a segment on The Overlap, where he broke down why this defender stands apart from the rest.
When fans think of Arsenal’s best performers, names like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Bukayo Saka usually dominate the conversation. These players have been the backbone of Arsenal’s resurgence — Saliba and Gabriel forming a rock-solid defensive pairing, while Saka continues to shine as one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers. Yet, Neville insisted that another name deserves the spotlight, someone whose contribution often goes unnoticed but whose impact is undeniable.
According to Neville, Jurrien Timber has quietly emerged as the most complete full-back in the Premier League right now. The English pundit didn’t just rate Timber among the best in England — he confidently declared him the top full-back in the league, whether on the right or left flank. Timber’s intelligence, athleticism, and ability to transition between defense and attack make him a rare gem in modern football.
Neville pointed out that Arsenal’s full-back options — including Timber, Ben White, and Riccardo Calafiori — are collectively stronger than Liverpool’s, which says a lot considering Liverpool’s long-standing reputation for dynamic wing-backs. “All Arsenal’s full-backs are better than Liverpool’s,” Neville emphasized, calling it a major issue for Jürgen Klopp’s side. He particularly praised Timber’s calmness under pressure and his ability to shut down opposing attackers with precision.
Drawing comparisons to one of world football’s finest, Neville likened Timber’s game to that of Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, who many consider the best full-back in the world. “Carvajal is the standard,” Neville said, “and Timber is the closest I’ve seen to him right now.” He explained that Timber possesses the rare balance of defensive solidity and offensive flair — able to dominate both ends of the pitch with equal confidence.
The 24-year-old Dutch defender’s brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed within Arsenal either. Reports reveal that Timber and the club are close to agreeing on a new contract that would see his wages more than double. Currently earning around £90,000 per week, he’s set to receive a bump to approximately £200,000 per week, reflecting how vital he has become under Mikel Arteta’s system.
Negotiations are said to be progressing smoothly, with both Arsenal and Timber eager to continue their partnership. His influence, leadership, and tactical flexibility have made him indispensable — and if Mbappe’s praise and Neville’s assessment are anything to go by, Jurrien Timber isn’t just Arsenal’s secret weapon anymore. He’s a full-blown superstar in the making.
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