It seems that Arsenal values adaptability above all else when it comes to signing players, especially defenders. This played a big part in their choice to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber.

Timber played a variety of positions for Ajax, including centre defender, right back, and left back, before joining the Gunners. He has shown himself to be an invaluable member of Arsenal.

In their most recent game against PSG, he played as a right-back, but he has started multiple games on the left side of defence. Thanks to Mikel Arteta’s generous game time, the defender is having a great time at the Emirates. He has recently been warned, though, that being adaptable might not always be beneficial.

After watching the defender play right back last night, Khalid Boulahrouz, a former player for Chelsea, told Voetbal Primeur:

He is obviously recovering from a major injury.

“Then, at such a fantastic club, you are incredibly humble and grateful to be in the starting lineup. You find that enjoyable. Is it beneficial for your career as a whole, though? No.

“Is versatility a good thing? It may occasionally be a possibility. He would be more at ease playing right back, but left back… No, it wasn’t the reason you were brought in. You deserved it because you were a vital player.

Only Arsenal’s viewpoint

Timber would nearly always have matches to play because of his versatility, which allows him to perform in a variety of roles.

Timber won’t be concerned about Boulahrouz’s opinion because every player wants to play in every game.