The Dutch international joined Arsenal in July 2023 in a deal worth up to £38.5 million. However, an ACL injury sustained in the opening game of the 2023/24 season ruled Timber out for the duration of the season, with the 23-year-old making his return as a substitute in the final game of the season against Everton.
“I’ve done it [competed for titles] with Ajax, of course, but this is on a whole different level. I’m just realising that now because I’m playing now," Timber reveals.
"I’ve watched the team from a distance and they were machines last year. We have to be the same this year because our competition, our opponents that want the same, are machines as well. So, we have to be on that level every single time. It’s not easy, but I think we have a really good squad, a good staff and good fans that will push us all the way.”
Timber was handed his first start of the 24/25 campaign in a tough away trip to Villa Park. The former Ajax man played the inverted left-back role to perfection as Arsenal went on to win 2-0 against a side that had stopped them in their tracks last season.
The 23-year-old came to London as a centre-back, who had some experience playing at right-back and central midfield for the Ajax development sides, but Arteta switched him into a left-back during preseason.
"It happened in preseason. It was before the Barcelona game, I played in training at left-back. All of a sudden, I was like, “Ok there’s a chance I am going to play at left-back tomorrow. That’s ok, just do my thing and enjoy it.” I’m just happy to be playing right now. I think it is a good thing to be versatile and playing both positions.”
Tuesday night's entertaining fixture pairs Arsenal up with PSG, a side renowned for their aims of achieving Champions League success - a feat which even €1.4 billion of investments can't achieve yet.
However, with the loss of their most crucial asset, Kylian Mbappé, PSG are unrecognisable to the team they were just a few years ago. Messi, Neymar, Mbappé, Di Maria, Rabiot all elsewhere.
Still, they possess a team capable of progressing far. With new signing Joao Neves in the midfield, Bradley Barcola on the flank and Randal Kolo Muani leading the line, they remain a force not to be beckoned with.
“I haven’t played against them so it’s hard for me to say [how it differs from the side featuring Neymar, Messi, Mbappé]," Timber says. "I still think they are a really good team. They are really well-coached. They have so many good players, world-class players. So, I don’t think we will approach it differently. We just have to be prepared for tomorrow and really focus on ourselves as well.”
Timber believes that his side can match up well against the French giants. Les Parisiens are also unbeaten in Ligue 1, drawing one and winning five. However, the Champions League eliminates domestic form and the Gunners are aware of that.
“I think a lot of players played a lot of big games. Of course, the Champions League is a bit different," the 23-year-old repeats. "I think the games are a bit different. But, it’s not really different from the big games we have in the Premier League games. So, a lot of players know. I don’t need to tell them how they need to play tomorrow or how they need to prepare for these big games, but obviously we need to play with a lot of courage and just be who we are and show that tomorrow.”
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