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Jurrien Timber says he’s become a better player because of £50m Arsenal star
Arsenal are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the world right now, and they have some incredible depth in their squad.
Arsenal are fancied to beat PSG and reach the Champions League final this season, and they’re in that position because of the sheer amount of talent they have in their squad.
Indeed, the Gunners seemingly have numerous world-class players in every position, waiting to step up when their opportunity comes around.
Jakub Kiwior has been brilliant since Gabriel Magalhaes got injured, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has become a star after a spot opened up at left-back earlier this season.
Internal competition has always been a big driving factor at Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale pushed David Raya a lot last season, while Leandro Trossard continues to push Gabriel Martinelli.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jurrien Timber has been discussing the internal competition between himself and Ben White, and the Dutchman reckons he’s actually become a better player because of White.
Jurrien Timber says he’s improved because of Ben White
Timber was asked about the internal competition he faces from Ben White.
The defender says he’s definitely improved because of the man, hailing him as a brilliant player who is very important to this Arsenal team.
“What is it like having that internal competition? Because obviously you’re battling with players like Ben White, who’s a magnificent footballer. Is that pushing you to new heights, do you think?” Timber was asked.
“Yeah, definitely. And I think everyone does that in the back. Your competition, there are world class players,” Timber said.
“Ben White as well. I think everyone has seen how good he is and how important he is for our team. So I think it’s only a good thing to have a competition like this.”
Jurrien Timber’s record alongside Ben White
White is pushing Timber to be his best in that right-back spot, but, on occasion, these two have actually played together.
Indeed, Timber is capable of playing at centre-back and left-back as well as right-back, while White can also play at centre-half if needed.
On occasion, White and Timber have both played in the same team, but, when that happens, Arsenal certainly aren’t at their best.
| Arsenal record when Ben White and Jurrien Timber play together | |
| Games | 12 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Win percentage | 42% |
For one reason or another, Arsenal don’t perform well when White and Timber are in the same side.
White is an underrated player, and he perhaps does deserve more minutes than he’s been getting recently at Arsenal, but with Timber playing as well as he is, it’s hard to find space for White in this Arsenal team right now.