Arsenal signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax over the summer for around £37.5m with add-ons.
The Dutchman is a natural centre-back who can operate in both full-back spots, with Mikel Arteta opting to use him on the left in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City this past weekend.
However, former Chelsea man Ruud Gullit has questioned Timber’s ability to operate as a centre-back in the Premier League due to his height:
“It was funny, he played as a left-back, but he’s not a left-back. He can be used as a right-back, but he is a centre-half. I myself had doubts in the beginning if he could play as a centre-back in the Premier League because he’s not that tall.
“Nevertheless he’s a very good player. On the ball he is fantastic. Left-back is a situation I have never seen him play, never ever. I hope he can be successful, but if he plays as a centre-half, I don’t know,” Gullit said.
Arsenal fans should not worry too much, though, as Lisandro Martinez faced similar criticism when he signed for Manchester United last year and he had an excellent debut campaign in England.
2023/24 FPL: 101 Best & Funniest Fantasy Premier League Team Names
