Jurriën Timber has embraced the battle for Arsenal’s right-back position, insisting that competing with Ben White can help both defenders improve and push Mikel Arteta’s side to another level.
The Dutch international believes healthy competition is crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions, with the two defenders finally having the opportunity to challenge each other for regular minutes after several injury setbacks disrupted their time together at the Emirates.
Although Timber and White joined Arsenal in 2023, Arteta has rarely had both players fully available at the same time. Their alternating fitness problems have often forced the Arsenal manager to rely on whichever defender was ready to play.
Timber endured a devastating start to his Arsenal career, missing almost the entire 2023-24 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury. White consequently became a key figure in the backline, starting 37 of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League matches that season.
White’s own recurring fitness issues then limited his availability across the following two seasons, while Timber established himself as a regular option when fit.
This season, Arsenal have carefully managed Timber’s workload as he continues to regain full match fitness. White has started five of the club’s opening six league matches, with Timber’s only league start coming against Brighton when his teammate was unavailable through injury.
Timber came on as a substitute for White during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, making his first appearance at the Emirates since March.
Speaking after the match, the defender welcomed the return of both players to full fitness and stressed the importance of having quality options in the same position.
“We have multiple players at the same position injured. I think that’s just unlucky sometimes. I’m happy we’re both back, both fit,” he told reporters after the Leeds match.
“Ben [White] is an amazing player. I think we make each other better, which is important to help the team go to a new level as well.”
Timber’s return represents an important boost for Arteta, who has had to navigate a series of defensive injury problems during his time at Arsenal. The Dutchman missed the club’s entire title run-in last season, although he came off the bench in the Champions League final.
His fitness problems also affected his international ambitions, with the defender missing the World Cup with the Netherlands. After spending so much time on the sidelines, Timber admits the experience has changed his perspective on playing regularly.
“It’s hard, it makes you realize how lucky you are when you are able to play, when you are fit.
“It’s hard when your team is battling for something so big and you couldn’t help the way you wanted to.
“It’s also a learning moment as well, but this is life I think. I got out of it okay. We did, as well, becoming champions, which is amazing. So I just feel grateful being back being fit now, you realize that when you’re not.”
With Arsenal competing for major honours, having both Timber and White available could prove valuable as the season progresses. Their ability to operate at right-back gives Arteta tactical flexibility, while the competition for a starting place should ensure neither defender can afford to become complacent.
For Timber, the priority is to remain fit, build consistency and make the most of his opportunities. Rather than viewing White as a threat, he sees their rivalry as an opportunity to raise standards and strengthen Arsenal’s pursuit of success.
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