The Who
Jurriën David Norman Timber
Age: 21 (22 on June 16)
Nationality: Netherlands
Preferred foot: Right
Height: 5’10
Position: RCB can also play RB (has also played LB for a few matches in U17s)
Academy: Ajax
The What
Jurriën is a product of famed Ajax academy where he moved in 2014 from Feyenoord Academy. His brother Quinten Timber is a midfielder for Feyenoord.
He won the Ajax Talent of the year award in 2022 for his terrific performances that season (The Marco Van Basten award is given to the top talent every year, the winner the previous year was Ryan Gravenberch).
Van Gaal played him as a RCB in a back 3 with Virgil & Nathan Ake for Netherlands NT this past world cup in Qatar. In the past he has also played RB for the national team.
The Why
Jurriën Timber’s versatility would be a reason why he would offer options for Jurgen Klopp as he uses the new 3-2-2-3 system next season. With Trent able to play in midfield, Jurriën has the pace and defensive acumen to play as part of a back 3 as he did with Virgil for Netherland NT. His versatility to also play RB would allow a back 4 formation while giving Trent the option to feature at midfield.
Strengths: His pace allows him to cover a lot of ground, his progressive ball carries are unique compared to most Centre backs, his ability to dribble and push the ball up the pitch allows him to frequently move up and play in midfield. His passing range is quite impressive too, he has the ability to make pin point incisive passes to carve open the opposition. In fact his passing range and ability is a reason why Ten Hag while at Ajax mentioned that he could also play in midfield.
Weakness: His height could be a detriment as Jurgen Klopp typically likes his defenders to be aerially dominant but on the flip side he offers more mobility, quickness & versatility. Having said that it wont be surprising to see him used more as a RB either. More options is always good to have. He can definitely improve his defensive game of breaking up plays, working more on being a better interceptor of passes etc, he is definitely not the finished product but he is not a prospect either. You dont become a starter for Netherlands NT in the world cup being a prospect.
The Data:
Heatmap for 2022/23 Season from sofascore.com shows his mobility across the pitch.
The View:
Final thoughts on a few other factors
Pep Ljinders who is also of dutch origin, can facilitate an easier integration into team, strategy & tactics.
His Netherlands NT team mates Virgil & Cody Gakpo can also help the player settle in quick. A partnership with Virgil at the back seems like a natural fit as Virgil himself said during the last world cup “I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now (at the same age). I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further”
The price tag will be reasonable & the player only has 2 years left on his contract. Ajax will need to rebuild after watching Feyenoord lift the title & the sale of a few key players will facilitate investment back into the rebuild. He himself told De Telegraaf recently “a transfer is getting closer & closer so to speak”. He also told the outlet “At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday.” Everyone knows our players are usually our best marketing agency when needed.
He is not short of suitors, as his profile has garnered the attention of other PL clubs, timing would be key to secure his signature.