Our fullbacks used to have huge weaknesses. White was his one v one defending vs tricky and fast wingers. As well as a lack of dynamism his combination play, and inability to pass / dribble out of tight spaces. On the other side Zinchenko was lightweight, super error prone and similarly shaky against tricky wingers. Calafiori is good, and takes care of the lack of physicality aspect but still has a lot of learning and growing to do in the role. Would be really interested to see if Arteta can clean him up and mold him into a world class player.

Ideally though, we'd just clone Timber. Stupidly good player. That's what you want in a full back. Now folks are seeing why i'd always call Ben Basic. Basic Benny Blanco.

Timber stays fit and we're going to have one of the very best false back/attacking fullbacks in world football on our books for the next 5 years or so. Simple. And the good thing about it is, he still has lots of room to grow

    Very disrespectful to Ben White. This guy has been a legend for us. Given our selection of fullbacks, I'd even rather have White and Timber as our starters for most big games.

      flobaba Ideally though, we'd just clone Timber.

      Time to sign his twin. He's so good I want 2 Timbers.

      May sneak into my top 3 by the end of the season.

      Still think he needs to be managed after the ACL 😰 that's my only worry.

          Panda Time to sign his twin. He's so good I want 2 Timbers.

          Sneak the twin on when Jurien gets tired.

            Panda

            His twin plays in midfield but shares most Jurrien's qualities. I'd hate for one of our rival to have anyone resembling Jurrien, so a twin is as close as it gets. Sign him up!

              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.

                  flobaba he’s not the minimum anything. He’s an outstanding and versatile defender. There aren’t a lot of Timbers roaming around. Even look within the league. Trent is an absolute unicorn on offense. A matador on defense

                    2 months later

                    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.

                        • CPM

                        • Post #431

                        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.

                          • Daz

                          • Post #434

                          CPM Will Gabriel or Saliba ever get any rest this season?

                          Yes, when they get injured. Just like everyone else.

                            22 days later

                            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.

                                • Doc likes this.

                                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

                                  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.