Timber at 6

It is possible that Arteta wanted both Zinchenko and Timber as double inverted fullbacks. Tomi has done a good job in that inverted role so maybe the starting full backs will be Tomi/Timber with White and Kiwior as backup CBs.

Tomi/White/Kiwior/Timber/Saliba. Can all play CB, FB, CM.

Arteta wants all his players capable of playing multiple positions, or he doesn't buy them.

I do wonder about that too. I think Arseblog mentioned recently that he doesn't see Timber as a fixture at LB, and it would be unusual to play a right footer there (I know Tomi, but that's not his main position). I do think Timber was bought with a view to making him the RB, but White was outstanding last season so it's a bit up in the air at the moment.

Saka usually has a minimum of two men marking him. That creates space for both Odegaard and Ben White. Odegaard and Saka both drift in to leave mega space for the full back. Maybe Arteta wants someone to use that space better. Be more of an attacking threat than Ben White.

Saka/Odegaard drifting into centre midfield also has consequences, defensively. Ben White is often left one on one against opposing wingers on counter-attacks and with the best will in the world, he just doesn't have the pace to get back. Ben is often skinned when isolated.

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 4 minutes ago
Just because timber can play LB doesn't mean he is a LB.

He was a Cb for the majority at Ajax
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He ain't getting I'm the team ahead of Saliba and Gabriel. He shouldn't get in ahead of White based on this season. We have no outstanding LB who can be relied on.

Dutch football is very different from Premier League.
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I really want a LB back with a left foot that can overlap and invert.
Is Hato realistic ?

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 hours, 32 minutes ago
Arteta has already said Timber was bought to play full back.
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Then that should be RB. As well White has done this season, Timber should eventually seize that position leaving White as a back up to Saliba.

comment by ubad9jagooner .Ramsey : don't get the hype ! (U7978)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 hours, 32 minutes ago
Arteta has already said Timber was bought to play full back.
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Then that should be RB. As well White has done this season, Timber should eventually seize that position leaving White as a back up to Saliba.
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Options.

Timber maybe third choice behind Tomi/Zinchenko for LB but could be starting RB next season.

Think Arteta will just wing it with Timber and see where he fits best as he did with havertz

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 7 hours, 25 minutes ago
Arteta has already said Timber was bought to play full back.
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Never take anything Arteta says seriously. Let’s not forget Gabriel was on the bench for the first 3 matches of the season, Partey was playing RB, and Arteta was waffling on about Raya and Ramsdale rotating and even coming off the bench for one another.

That being said LB is definitely there for him to make his own considering Tomi’s injury record. I would rather buy an actual DM or move Rice back to DM before trying Timber there.

comment by ubad9jagooner .Ramsey : don't get the hype ! (U7978)
posted 3 hours, 53 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 hours, 32 minutes ago
Arteta has already said Timber was bought to play full back.
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Then that should be RB. As well White has done this season, Timber should eventually seize that position leaving White as a back up to Saliba.
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Good thing you aren’t calling the shots.

comment by Bats Uncensored (U18355)
posted 1 hour, 13 minutes ago
comment by ubad9jagooner .Ramsey : don't get the hype ! (U7978)
posted 3 hours, 53 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 hours, 32 minutes ago
Arteta has already said Timber was bought to play full back.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Then that should be RB. As well White has done this season, Timber should eventually seize that position leaving White as a back up to Saliba.
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Good thing you aren’t calling the shots.
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I saw Timber live play for Ajax a couple of times at RB. He is terrific in that position.