Jurrien Timber must follow Gary Neville example in Arsenal bid for greatness

Jurrien Timber has impressed for Arsenal so far this campaign but he has been told he needs to replicate Gary Neville to go even further in his career

Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar has challenged Jurrien Timber to match the silverware collection of Manchester United icon Gary Neville if he wants to be regarded as one of football’s elite defenders. Timber has been outstanding this campaign for the Gunners after putting his fitness nightmare firmly in the past.

The defender suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury almost immediately following his switch to the Emirates Stadium, ruling him out for nearly his entire first season. Thankfully, the Netherlands international has steered clear of any serious problems since his comeback and has flourished this term.

The full-back has featured in all bar one of Arsenal’s first seven Premier League fixtures and has already notched two goals and provided two assists. Despite the widespread praise surrounding the 24-year-old, Limpar told AceOdds.com that the defender must address several areas before earning comparisons with the game’s legends.

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“Timber is a hell of a player to keep Ben White on the bench, first of all,” the Swede explained. “Because in the last few years, the player who has made [Bukayo] Saka look good is Ben White.

“White and Saka play unbelievably well together. It is up to Timber now to assist and make Saka better.

“When it comes to defending, I think Timber is decent. Going forward he is unbelievable.

“That’s the Arsenal way, to play offensive football. But overall, he’s an incredible player.

“He’s been one of the best in the Premier League but again, these guys need to win something to be up and compete with the best. Take Gary Neville for example.

“He has won so much and Timber hasn’t. When it comes to talking about the best players in Premier League history, it comes down to trophies. Unfortunately.”

During his time at United, Neville was a relentless trophy collector, securing eight Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Club World Cup.

Neville, who now works as a high-profile pundit and co-owns Salford City, also served as United captain during the latter stages of his playing days.

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