Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Praises Jurrien Timber's Leadership Qualities

 Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Praises Jurrien Timber's Leadership Qualities

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Reiss Nelson during a training session at Los Angeles Rams Practice Facility on July 23, 2024 in Thousand Oaks, California(Image-Getty)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed his excitement to have Jurrien Timber back in the team, hailing the defender's leadership qualities and mental toughness. Timber, who suffered an ACL injury on his Premier League debut last season, has worked hard to regain his fitness and is now ready to make an impact.

Arteta praised Timber's attitude to his rehabilitation, saying, "He is mentally a really tough boy. He is so willing, you can see that in his body language and the way he acts." The manager also highlighted Timber's technical gifts and vocal presence on the pitch, calling him a "leader" and a "great addition to the team."

Timber himself has been studying successful athletes like Kobe Bryant and Max Verstappen, saying, "I like to look at winners... I love to see that."

Arteta also provided updates on other players, including those who participated in EURO 2024 and injured defenders Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu. He expects the EURO 2024 players to be available for the Premier League opener and is working on a plan to integrate them into the team.

Regarding Tierney and Tomiyasu, Arteta confirmed that they are absent from the US pre-season tour due to injury setbacks, with Tierney suffering a hamstring injury and Tomiyasu undergoing treatment for a knee issue.

Overall, Arteta is optimistic about the upcoming season, with Timber's return and the expected availability of key players set to boost the team's chances.