Virgil van Dijk uses just two words to describe Jurrien Timber’s position change for the Netherlands

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Arsenal star Jurrien Timber has come in for some praise after his recent switch to centre-back for the Netherlands national team.

The defender has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s team over the past two seasons, having overcome early injury setbacks that impacted him.

TBR Football understands Arsenal are in talks over a new contract for Timber, underlining just how highly rated he is by the club.

That has largely been in a right-back capacity, but his versatility means that other positions are available.

That much was proven during international duty, when the Netherlands deployed the 24-year-old at centre-back, alongside Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

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Virgil van Dijk praises Jurrien Timber after impact for the Netherlands at centre-back

While Jurrien Timber is versatile, Arsenal haven’t often used him in a centre-back capacity, often opting to play him at right-back instead.

Instead, he got another taste of the role for the Netherlands in their 4-0 thrashing of Finland in World Cup qualifying.

The Arsenal ace got to play alongside Van Dijk, who has been regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

As such, his praise for Timber after the game will be music to the ears of the Gunners.

Speaking to NOS after the game, he said: “A player [Timber] who is in top form. When you’re with the Dutch team now and you watch the central defenders, there’s quite a bit of competition.

“You have to push each other and get the best out of each other. Ultimately, the national coach makes the decisions. But it’s pure enjoyment.”

That “pure enjoyment” is something that Timber can take as a positive while playing alongside the national team captain.

It’s good news for Arsenal, but so too is the way that the Netherlands helped to protect the star.

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Arsenal will be so happy with how Jurrien Timber was protected

With Arsenal’s injury crisis over the past season or so, the international break always brings about nervousness.

There have been instances where players return injured, leaving Mikel Arteta in quite a tough position.

Fortunately for him, Timber has been well protected by the Netherlands.

The defender was brought off in the 60th minute in a change to freshen up the backline, with his side already leading 3-0.

With a few days of rest ahead, before Saturday’s return to action against Fulham, it means another key star should be ready and raring to go.