Big Willie yes aggressive front foot defending is often a worry. By many accounts it sounds like Timber can occasionally get caught out, but it appears to me he’s successful with it as he reads the intention of the attacker and anticipates where they’ll move to and how they’ll manipulate the ball. It’s more considered than someone who dives in with a hint of desperation (ala Mustafi say)

    banduan Reminds me of Koscielny a bit. Very aggressive in getting his foot to the ball early.

        Charles Watts speaks to Jaap Stam about Timber, interesting listen:

        est He gives away alot of fouls. I suspect he will take awhile to adapt to the league. Need to strengthen up but the ingredients are there to be world class for him. Like Stones

          Clrnc Stats can be helpful but I don't think they can give you a feel for a player. We'll just need to see how he settles into a new team and a new league.

          I think it was Nelson Mandela that said "Stats are all very well and good until you get punched in the mouth."

            6 days later

            Good signing, around £34m rising up to £38.5m which I think in the current market represents good value. The guy had an off season but so did Ajax. He's only 22 so will only get better but has a lot going for him. Think he will have a really good season for us.

            Wonder if in tougher games we will be more inclined to go with a stronger LB and then play Timber on the right and let him step into midfield. While Zinchenko excels when he steps into the middle he is defensively very vulnerable. Assuming Tierney leaves we could go with Kiwior on the left. Also Zinchenko is a bit injury prone so need to make sure we can adjust the system when needed.

            Took them long enough to announce it. Excited to see him play for us

            Now if we would just announce the other guy.. haha.

            the lack of defensive depth really stung arteta last season. it's become apparent that defense and the progressive components therein are a key focus area for him, considering how much coin we've pumped into that area in the last 3 years. a far cry from the Wenger years, to be sure

            JazzG did he die while scoring the winning goal in a CL final or move to Arsenal?

              Versatility, depth, tactical flexibility and as I suggested in the transfer thread, perhaps could breathe new life into Kieran Tierney's Arsenal career.

              We have a really good mix of attacking and defending fullback now.. Let hope Arteta can figure out the best way and time to mix and match between them as will add so much variaty to our play