Arsenal star impresses in position Mikel Arteta has not used him for 265 days

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Mikel Arteta has a lot of versatility to work with at Arsenal.

Noni Madueke can play on the left or right of the attack, Declan Rice can operate as a defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder, while Kai Havertz can either lead the line or drop deep into a false nine role.

It helps the Gunners keep opponents guessing when it comes to tactical preparations, and Jurrien Timber has once again shown Mikel Arteta he can handle a central role if needed.

Jurrien Timber outshines Virgil van Dijk playing in the centre of defence during Netherlands win

The Dutchman typically plays as a full-back at Arsenal due to the formidable pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

However – if either of them suffer a serious injury – Timber proved he can step into the middle with yet another interesting display under Ronald Koeman.

Timber shone for the Netherlands during a 3-2 win over Lithuania in September playing in the centre of defence, and was once again fielded in that position as Malta were defeated 4-0 on Thursday.

Dutch media outlet Algemeen Dagblad published player ratings from that FIFA World Cup qualifier, handing the Arsenal No.12 a rating of six out of ten – only Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch scored higher.

Algemeen Dagblad write that Timber impressed when dribbling out of defence with the ball, and it sounds like he had a lot to do alongside the “painful” Virgil van Dijk – who was given five out of ten for a sloppy performance.

It speaks volumes that the 24-year-old was able to slot into this role so seamlessly.

Timber, who is set for a new contract, has not played as a central defender for Arsenal since a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa back on the 18th January, which was 265 days ago.

Arteta is truly blessed when it comes to his defensive department, as Riccardo Calafiori can also play in the centre as well as at full-back, a trait Piero Hincapie possesses too.

Jurrien Timber can also play in midfield

Timber – who Jeremie Frimpong admires – must be a dream of a player for Arteta to have.

Not only can he play anywhere across the backline, but the man born in Utrecht also made two appearances in central midfield earlier in his career while at Ajax.

Timber even scored a goal in one of these games.

Therefore, any potential injury crisis involving the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Rice in future could be alleviated by the incredibly versatile Dutchman.