Thirteen minutes into his debut at Ajax in March 2020, Jurrien Timber experienced a nightmare scenario. He watched helplessly as Hicham Faik’s free-kick sailed past a two-man wall and into Andre Onana’s net. Heerenveen took a 1-0 lead, putting Ajax in a tough position as they battled for the top spot in Eredivisie against AZ Alkmaar. Needless to say, it was not an ideal start for Timber. Unfortunately, there was little time for him to make amends as the season was cut short due to Covid-19.
Fast forward to the present, and Arsenal is being told that they must pay £50 million for Timber. Ajax has already rejected a £30 million offer. So, how did we get to this point? Since his challenging debut, the 22-year-old Dutch international has achieved great success, winning the Eredivisie twice, the KNVB Cup once, and earning accolades such as the league’s Player of the Year and the Cruyff Talent of the Year for young players. With 160 appearances under his belt, Timber has had the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and grow at Ajax, a club that values his development.
One of Timber’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can play as a center back or a right back in both a back four for his club and a back three for his country. He has seamlessly adapted to Erik ten Hag’s formation changes during the 2021-22 season. Additionally, Timber’s attacking mindset sets him apart. According to stats from FBref, he ranks highly among Eredivisie defenders in passes attempted and completed, passes into the final third, and progressive passes. He also excels in terms of touches in advanced areas of the pitch, total number of carries, and his ability to take on opponents without losing possession. None of this should come as a surprise considering Timber’s upbringing at Ajax, where he has been honing his skills since 2014 after joining Feyenoord at the age of six.
Timber’s confidence on the ball and leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed by those who closely observe his game. Growing up with footballer brothers, Quinten and Dylan, who play for Feyenoord and Jong Utrecht respectively, has instilled in him a rare assurance on the ball for someone his age. He and Quinten both made the move to Ajax in their early teenage years, achieving success at both the domestic and international levels. Timber’s composure and willingness to speak up early on caught the attention of then-coach ten Hag, who remarked that he could even play as a left-back or in central midfield. Although he may not immediately be the leader of the Ajax first team, his ability to assert himself and contribute meaningfully is crucial for success.
On the downside, Timber struggles in aerial duels due to his height of 5ft 10in and a success rate of less than 50%. This has drawn comparisons to former teammate Lisandro Martinez. However, the partnership between Timber and Martinez proved to be rock-solid during their time together, and Martinez has flourished at Manchester United this season. Timber himself had the opportunity to join United last summer but ultimately rejected the move. There have also been recent links to Liverpool. When asked about potential transfers, Timber emphasized the importance of his gut feeling and finding the right fit. While he acknowledges the opportunity to develop at other clubs, he firmly believes in his ability to continue growing at Ajax, noting the club’s participation in the Champions League and the chance to play alongside top players in the Netherlands.
Now, Arsenal has emerged as a possible destination for Timber, with his style of play being a perfect fit for the team. Just as Oleksandr Zinchenko transformed Arsenal’s midfield after transitioning from left back, Timber could bring a similar dynamic to the right side, allowing Martin Odegaard to wreak havoc further up the field. Timber’s comfort with playing in tight spaces and his ability to contribute in advanced positions make him an ideal candidate for this role.
If Timber does leave Ajax, it will mark the end of a remarkable journey as a footballer. After three successful seasons, including experience in the Champions League and World Cup, it may be time for him to spread his wings and seek new challenges. Additionally, it would finally put an end to Timber sharing a bedroom with his brother Quinten, who won’t be able to tease him all night if he concedes a free-kick.
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