Claudius he is the minimum level of player/defender we should have at Arsenal. Solid and dependable. Like a Tomiyasu that manages to stay fit.
I don't want to understate Benny's contributions, because I do know he's been a decent performer for us over the years, but he was always a gate to the next level, just like Martinelli currently is. He's a warrior though - this I grant him, this I respect. But on a footballing level - just not my flavor.
Let's do Martinelli next.
Love this guy. Came back from a massive injury and being a year out to holding the right back spot with no real back ups for about 3 months (fingers crossed he remains healthy). Big, big credit to this guy. Under Arteta, pound for pound could be our best signing since Gabriel.
He is a winner and a warrior. Lauren meets Sagna. Love him.
We all love Ben White too but the fact a fan favourite of last 3/4 years wont get his place back says everything you need to know about JT.
Sicario2 - Tier 1 We all love Ben White too but the fact a fan favourite of last 3/4 years wont get his place back says everything you need to know about JT.
I love JT but seriously doubt White will be unable to get his place back.
There will be plenty of minutes for both of them. I wonder if we see White play some CB. Will Gabriel or Saliba ever get any rest this season?
Been wondering whether with our injury crisis, he might end up playing further up the pitch at times. We're not just short on depth up front but if Merino plays CF, we're short on depth in midfield and I think Timber's skill set could make him a viable contingency plan if needed.
Not saying I want him there but can't help but feel we'll see more tinkering until Saka & Martinelli come back from injury.
Would rather push up MLS than Timber to be honest.
Timber still needs to improve his range of passing.
3rd best player of the season (after Raya/Gabriel) for me. To come back after such a horrific injury and practically play every game at a very consistent level? Hats off to this guy
Sicario2 - Tier 1 I think he's been excellent lately. With White back and able to give him a rest at the end of matches hopefully he can get a bit more rest too. Nice to have 2 brilliant right back options but you wonder how long we can keep both around in the same squad. Wouldn't be a big fan of moving either too, Timbers much better at RB than LB and Whites a mediocre CB.
Would not say not to Timber at LB and White at RB against Madrid.
If White struggles then MLS at LB.
I love White, but he's not fit for Vinicius right now.
Have to roll out Timber to RB and pray that MLS/Cali can contain Rodrygo
If all else fails there's always Partey and Kiwior!
Vinicius is the exact type of winger that White struggles with. Timber on the other hand has bottled up similar profiles all year (Barcola comes to mind specifically).
It should be MLS - Gabriel - Saliba - Timber and I don't think you should give that much of a second thought.
samthegooner It should be MLS - Gabriel - Saliba - Timber and I don't think you should give that much of a second thought.
Yup, that entire back four and GK gonna be in for one hell of a ride!
samthegooner I agree but Myles needs to cut out the rash challenges.
Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert He strikes me as the type of player that will rise to the occasion and know it's a huge match and opportunity for him to put his stamp on it. Whereas in some of these other matches, I feel like he already felt he belonged and got a bit too comfortable. This one will be a supreme challenge and I hope he approaches it like that. Physically he can definitely bully Rodrygo but he will need to be careful on being rash.
samthegooner his potential is elite, and he'll no doubt either become a regular at LB or somewhere in midfield long term.
MistaT I'm a big fan of White but he was pretty awful last night. Exposed quite a few times in the first half. Would be concerned if we were playing Madrid next week.
If he gets some England games under his belt, it may help his recovery very though as w do need to be able to rest Timber.
