Arsenal: Jurrien Timber reveals Virgil van Dijk influence as Gunners defender is handed new role | OneFootball

Gunners defender took his club form into the international break as he starred for the Netherlands

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has said he willing to play wherever Ronald Koeman needs him following a position change while on international duty.

It was the 24-year-old’s first start for the national team in just under a year, and he was tasked with operating in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Speaking to reporters after the Malta game, Timber said: "I play wherever the manager needs me. I think it's one of my strengths that I can play in multiple positions.”

Timber believes playing alongside Liverpool captain Van Dijk made it easier for him to prove he can be an option for the Dutch at centre-back in the future.

He added: "I've been able to prove myself at center-back, and of course, someone like Virgil makes it easier.

"We kept a clean sheet, we're scoring good goals. So we can be quite satisfied."

Job done: Jurrien Timber reacts after an easy win for the Netherlands against Malta

AFP via Getty Images

Timber has started seven of Arsenal’s 10 games across all competitions so far this season and is set to be rewarded for his fine form with a new deal.

The Gunners have now opened contract talks with the defender’s representatives and Arteta has expressed his desire for the Dutchman to sign fresh terms.

Asked if Timber was a case of a player deserving a new contract, Arteta replied: “Yes, 100 per cent.

“And especially the players that they want to be with us, and we want to attach our futures with them.

“And Jurrien is a really good example of someone that, especially under very difficult circumstances with a very early injury in his career, with a really difficult injury, the way he’s come back and what he’s doing for the team, it's phenomenal.

“I think he’s a really good example of another one that hopefully is going to have a long career with us.

“I rate him a lot. I don’t know how people rate him, but hopefully a lot because when you’re talking about a total player, he has almost every quality that you want from a defender.”