18 May 2022 09:42:20
Just been reading up on Jurrien Timber - and looks like he could be the answer to several of our problem positions:
Centre back
Right back
And….
Defensive Midfield.
It is this last position that I think he has the potential to excel in: great positional awareness, clean tackler, technically skilled and quick at recovery…
No wonder ETH wants him as a first signing.
18 May 2022 11:26:19
I'd be wary of him playing at centre back early on based on his size and potential to deal with the physicality and speed in the Premier League, however, he certainly looks to be an excellent prospect.
His ability to play a couple of position is also something our squad actually needs.
18 May 2022 11:28:10
I have to admire you Wallace. You have been reading up on him and you think he has a chance of excelling in a position he doesn't play in a weaker league. You have drawn this conclusion without seeing him play in that position also.
If eth does want him the club need to approach ajax not the player. (See rumours page) he could be a good signing but I guess he will play his best position which is cb.
18 May 2022 11:53:46
Completely agree Ken, playing in the premiership is a whole new ball game.
The Dutch league is absolutely pants.
18 May 2022 12:20:50
ruud gullit thinks he won't cut it at CB in premiership - not yet anyway. Some Ajax fans think he goes walkabout too, often caught upfield instead of tracking back quick enough. just what I've read.
18 May 2022 12:23:00
Wallace, whilst I don't think Timber will play anywhere other than as CB should we buy him I do think your comment has merit but more in how EtH appears to play his CB's. High line up the pitch so comfortable on the ball and in the area that a HM would be playing. Able to cover across for the FB as they push forward.
Roles seem to cover multiple areas within EtH's structure.
18 May 2022 13:53:55
Timber plays well alongside Martinez who is the one who can read a game, Timber isn't ready to strike out and be the man at a big club with responsibility for calling the rubbishs whixh is whatvwe need because neither Maguire or Varane are that. Throwing Timber into our backline in uts current state is a disaster waiting to happen.
Watch Ajax the last two years, Timber is an athlete yes, but his partner is the one who knows what's happening on the pitch.
18 May 2022 14:07:39
Reasoned response Brad thanks, makes sense what you’re saying.
18 May 2022 15:25:43
Timber might be a signing for the future. Whose to day he isn't signed and loaned back to Ajax? .
What is certain is that the club needs a top CB who not only has a commanding presence, but can read the game and will equally be suited to playing under EtH and in the EPL.
18 May 2022 15:26:43
There must be a reason why clubs like Bayern are after Timber.
We ideally need 2 CB's though and move on Bailly, Jones, Maguire.
18 May 2022 17:18:31
TRD,
Maguire will stay. I'll be shocked if he is sold. As poor as he has been, the club would take a huge loss on him if he were to be sold. I don't think the clubs ego could actually handle that.
However, I can't see many teams actually wanting to sign Maguire either.
18 May 2022 18:18:19
Wallace, having watched a fair amount of Ajax over the past 5 months I wouldn't say Timber has great positional awareness, in fact I'd say that his reading of the game is the biggest area he needs to improve.
You've noticed his good recovery pace, bit ask yourself if he had great positional awareness then why is he scrambling back to get into position?
He's a a very talented young lad, but he is still quite raw. I wonder if in the EPL he might be best suited to playing on the right of a back three. Or maybe as an inverted right back.
Personally I think he could do with another year in Amsterdam.
18 May 2022 19:19:42
Hmmm. Poor positional awareness but with the pace to get back and attempt to untangle his mess. we've got one of those at rightback already thanks.
18 May 2022 19:59:15
Poor timber, not even our player yet or at all and the you tubers have already condemned him to the rubbish skip
All the best ETH, there’s a lot of people who can do your job much much better apparently….
18 May 2022 21:37:36
Personally I think de ligt should be pursued but I believe he's about yo sign a new contract with Juventus.
Failing that, Botman looks solid and has the experience in a better league.
18 May 2022 22:35:42
Is this guy not sounding like a AWB?
Good at tackles and positionally bad
Similar height maybe, but he's just better at dribbling.
18 May 2022 22:49:32
Rohan according to who? Eth knows best don't mind the couch experts on here.
19 May 2022 16:53:37
I don't think anyone is writing the kid off.
Truth is he's a very talented kid with the ability to get to the very top. The reality is that he is still only 20 years old and has a lot to learn and master yet.
If he signs he will be a player with great potential, but it would be unfair to expect him to come straight in and immediately be world class. He will make mistakes, there are still weaknesses to his game and he will need to adapt to the EPL (which is tougher and less forgiving than the Eredivisie) .
It's not about panning the kid, but about tempering expectations and being fair with where seems to be in his development right now.