Oleksandr Zinchenko has backed Jurrien Timber to thrive in an inverted full-back role for Arsenal and believes the defender is another ‘incredible signing’ for the club.
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign the Dutch defender from Ajax for a fee of £38m, with Timber having attracted interest from a number of leading clubs during his time in the Eredivisie.
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The 22-year-old was named as the division’s Player of the Season as Ajax won the title in 2021/22 and Zinchenko believes the defender will prove to be a key figure in north London.
“I watched him and followed the way he played at Ajax. Also I played against him for the national team so I know about him as a player, what amazing qualities he has, and now I know him off the pitch. He’s a great guy, another incredible signing for Arsenal who will help us a lot,” Zinchenko told the club’s official website.
Timber is expected to feature at right-back for Arsenal and could be tasked with inverting into midfield in similar fashion to Zinchenko on the opposite flank.
The Ukraine international believes the new arrival has the attributes to be even ‘better’ than he is in the hybrid position.
“Maybe he is (going to invert), but maybe better than me. I’m sure he is 100 per cent going to show us what he can do, and will really help us.”
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