Mikel Arteta once said Arsenal star had quality that ‘nobody else has’, it’s now very clear why

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be absolutely delighted with the quality of his first team squad right now.

In a crunch match against Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta was able to leave the likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli all on Arsenal’s bench.

After a summer of clever spending, the Gunners now have one of the strongest squads in European football, and they are more than equipped to compete on all fronts.

That being said, it’s remarkable to think that White was an unused substitute against Newcastle on Sunday, a player who was previously so crucial for Arteta.

But Jurrien Timber has made the right-back spot his own, and he was brilliant once again at St James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta knew how good Jurrien Timber could be for Arsenal

With that in mind, Arsenal were actually without Timber for almost the entirety of his first season after signing from Ajax in 2023.

Timber injured his knee during the opening game of the Premier League season, a bitter blow for the Gunners at the time.

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Throughout Timber’s injury, Arteta often spoke about the Dutchman’s quality and all that Arsenal were missing owing to his absence.

And towards the beginning of 2024, Arteta said that Timber had a quality that no other Arsenal defender had – something that is now being justified whilst he’s back to his best.

Speaking in April of last year, Arteta said: “Jurrien is a main one because he has a quality that nobody else has in the backline to actually affect, especially in the attacking phases, things that we do, in both positions or three positions.”

At the time, Arteta was suggesting that Timber could be a secret weapon in attacking phases, and after his marauding runs against Newcastle, it’s clear to see why.

Ben White will still get chances for Arsenal this season

All in all, Timber’s injury lay-off during the season before last must have been incredibly frustrating for Arteta.

He clearly knew just how good the Netherlands international was, and he had probably made a lot of plans which included Timber playing in 40 or more matches.

But Arsenal supporters will ultimately be pleased that they are now seeing the best of Timber, who plays with maturity well beyond his 24 years.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised Timber for terrorising his side during their recent Premier League meeting.

And although White might be frustrated on the sidelines wanting to play minutes, it’s almost impossible to leave his Dutch competitor out of the team right now.

Fortunately for White, Arsenal will have a ton of games across the season, and perhaps he will come in to face Olympiacos at the Emirates on Wednesday.