Jurrien Timber is channelling Max Verstappen’s winning mentality as an inspiration after putting his injury heartache behind him to stake a claim in Arsenal’s backline.
The defender, who has featured in an inverted full-back role under Mikel Arteta, returned to the field in April after a torrid eight months out with an ACL injury.
After a strong showing in last year’s pre-season tour, Timber is looking to kick on again in the US — and has noted the fortitude of fellow Dutchman Verstappen, who has taken Formula One by storm.
‘But also you look at Max Verstappen, you see his interviews sometimes after races and you are like, “Wow, this guy is such a big winner” and I love to see that, see his comments that happen after a race.’
Jurrien Timber is raring to go ahead of the new season after battling back from an ACL injury
The 23-year-old was also full of praise for Arteta’s habit of deploying players in unaccustomed positions which has helped Timber thrive at Arsenal.
He has featured at centre back and both full back positions while at the club. Other rotational examples last season include Thomas Partey at right back and experimentation with Kai Havertz’s attacking position.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu out injured once again, and Jakub Kiwior earmarked for a transfer move, Timber is set to play a key role.
‘Obviously he (Arteta) just puts you there and can see if you can play there or not, but he helps you a lot as well and gives me a lot of support,’ he says.
‘I think I'm lucky that I can play anywhere in the back (line) and it’s a good way to get minutes.
‘He just gives me advice and tips during a game or training of which positions, what to do but also we have a lot of meetings, so I just pay attention to what he says.’
His versatility has rubbed off on his team-mates, too.
‘I spoke about it with Ben White as well,’ he says.
‘I think it's good to be versatile just to play more positions. You’re also able to get more minutes then and the coach can put you in more places — I think it's nice for him (Arteta) as well. I'm just hoping to play anywhere.’
Timber missed out of Netherland’s Euros squad. His country succumbed to England in the semi-finals — but he did find time to message team-mate Bukayo Saka.
He adds: ‘I was speaking to Bukayo before the Netherlands game, he messaged me. It was fun to see some team-mates against my country. I was sad we lost.
‘The first game (of Euros) was a bit difficult because then you realise you are not there and you always want to be there, but the rest of the Euros was more fun to watch and I enjoyed watching.’