12 Jurriën Timber

urrien Timber was born on June 17, 2001, in the Netherlands, alongside his twin brother, Quinten, who is also a professional footballer. Of Curaçaoan descent, the Timber brothers grew up in a football-loving household and took their mother’s surname due to past family circumstances.

Timber’s football journey began at DVSU, a local Utrecht-based club. At six years old, he joined Feyenoord’s youth system, before moving to Ajax’s famed academy in 2014. His talent quickly set him apart, and he signed his first professional contract with Ajax in 2018.

Ajax: The Making of a Defender

First-Team Breakthrough & Eredivisie Success

Timber made his senior debut for Ajax on March 7, 2020, in a 3–1 win over Heerenveen. He quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his defensive intelligence, composure on the ball, and versatility to play both as a full-back and center-back.

• First Goal: Scored against Emmen on May 2, 2021, sealing Ajax’s 35th Eredivisie title.
• Trophy Cabinet: Won two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup.
• Individual Recognition: Awarded the Marco van Basten Award in 2022, given to Ajax’s most promising talent.

Arsenal: A Promising Start & Injury Setback

£34M Transfer to Arsenal

On July 14, 2023, Timber signed for Arsenal for an initial fee of £34 million, with add-ons potentially increasing it to £38.5 million. He was given the No. 12 shirt, previously worn by William Saliba.

Community Shield Triumph & Premier League Debut

Timber made his competitive debut in Arsenal’s 2023 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, scoring in the 4–1 penalty shootout win. A week later, he started in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest but was forced off in the 50th minute due to a serious ACL injury, requiring surgery and sidelining him for most of the season.

Return from Injury & First Arsenal Goal

After months of rehabilitation, Timber returned in April 2024, playing for Arsenal’s U-21s, scoring in a 2–2 draw against Blackburn Rovers. He made his long-awaited first-team return on May 19, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s final Premier League match of the season against Everton.

First Arsenal Goal:
On December 4, 2024, Timber scored his first senior goal for Arsenal with a header from a corner in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.

International Career

Dutch Youth & Senior Debut

• Represented the Netherlands from U-15 to U-21 levels.
• Played a crucial role in the 2018 UEFA Under-17 European Championship triumph.
• Made his senior debut on June 2, 2021, in a friendly against Scotland.

Major Tournament Appearances

• UEFA Euro 2020: Selected for the Dutch squad.
• FIFA World Cup 2022: Played in every knockout match, including the quarter-final loss to Argentina on penalties.
• UEFA Euro 2024: Missed the tournament due to injury but returned to the Netherlands squad in September 2024 for the UEFA Nations League.

Historic Moment with His Twin Brother

On September 8, 2024, Timber made history by appearing alongside his twin brother, Quinten, for the first time in senior football during the Netherlands’ match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Timbers became only the third pair of twins to represent the Netherlands together, following René & Willy van de Kerkhof and Frank & Ronald de Boer.

Playing Style & Strengths

Timber’s ability to play as a center-back and full-back makes him a valuable asset for Arsenal. His strengths include:

✔ Ball Progression: Confident in carrying the ball forward from defense.
✔ Defensive Intelligence: Reads the game well and is excellent at intercepting passes.
✔ Versatility: Effective at both right-back and center-back positions.
✔ Composure: Calm under pressure, with precise passing ability.