The baffling reason this Arsenal star still isn’t seen as world-class

Arsenal is having a truly terrific season, even with all of the injury adversity working against them. Thankfully, Arsenal has some of the best squad depth in the world, and Mikel Arteta has called upon players he wouldn't usually call upon.

In truth, this season has been full of surprises for the Gunners. They would have expected to play a completely changed XI due to the list of signings; however, it's been their old boys that have stood up to the mark when required.

One defender in particular feels like a new signing because of how much he has improved this season. That player is Jurrien Timber.

Jurrien Timber is world-class, even with one weakness

Jurrien Timber has been one of the best defenders in the world. We get it, that's not a popular statement to make about an Arsenal player in 2025. However, Arsenal is comfortably the best team in the world at this point, so why can't some of their players be dubbed as world-beaters?

The Dutch international has been primarily operating at right-back, but he has also slotted in at center back to help cover injuries. It is still up in the air about which position he excels in most, but that's a redundant argument since Arsenal has two top notch center backs in William Saliba and Gabriel.

When the whole squad is fit, Jurrien Timber is Arsenal's best right-back. It's as simple as that, really.

Jurrien Timber excels in the defensive side of his game. He is physical, quick on and off the ball, and isn't afraid to put his body on the line to win back possession for Arsenal. All of these attributes combing to make him a fan favorite, but what matters most is that he's Arteta's favorite, too.

And, look, let's not be blindsided. It's obvious that Jurrien Timber's offensive work could do with improvement. However, that isn't to Arsenal's detriment. The Gunners have Riccardo Calafiori who can carry the offensive load on the left side, and Ben White (when fit) who can do that on the right.

Unfortunately, though, calling Jurrien Timber world-class is still met with criticism about his offensive acumen.

The frustration is justified. Given how much Timber excels in Arsenal's half, it sheds more of a light on his flaws in the opposition's half. However, this is very much a modern problem, and one that might require a traditional view to overlook.

Gone are the days when players were judged solely for the attributes of their position, and that's a shame. Jurrien Timber isn't the perfect attacker, but he is a beyond-perfect defender. And he is a defender. Let's not compare melons to grapes.

Pound for pound, Jurrien Timber might be the best defensive full-back in the world. That has to count for something.

Arsenal do not need 11 jack-of-all-trades. In fact, that is the last thing they need, despite what the transfers over the last few seasons would suggest. Instead, they need 11 masters of their own trades. That's how titles are won.