Mikel Arteta has mainly used him as a right-back and on a few occasions as a left-back and in the heart of defence.
The Arsenal player is currently with the Netherlands squad preparing for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Spain.
He attended Soccer News to discuss several topics, including his fitness after a serious injury setback last season.
The 23-year-old joined Arsenal from Ajax in July 2023 and in his first Premier League tie against Nottingham Forest, he suffered a serious knee injury. The defender spent 10 months on the sidelines and returned to the pitch in the final league game of last season.
Despite featuring regularly this season, Timber claims he’s taking necessary precaution in order to have a long playing career.
The Arsenal player’s first big setback saw him to miss the Euros last summer and it was difficult for him to watch the Netherlands on TV.
“This was my first major injury, but it has honestly been a good year. My knee has gotten stronger, and I have been able to work on my body a lot in the gym. I have come out stronger in the end,” he said.
“Last season I had lonely moments when I had to train alone or when I stayed behind at the club when the team had an away game. Missing the European championship and watching it on TV was also difficult, but at some point, I got over it. I have good people around me, and I didn’t feel alone.”
The Netherlands international has opened up on the challenges he faced while recovering and the injury nightmare last season.
“Football suddenly stopped, so I had to deal with life in other ways. I appreciate it now when I can play, because I know what it’s like to be away for a year. During the matches I play, I really have moments when I enjoy myself even more,” Timber explained.
“I read the Bible every morning and evening. That gave me support when I was injured. I was tested, but I believed that I would come out better. And that’s what happened. It brought me closer to God.”
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