Jurrien Timber proves decision to reject Man Utd was the right one
Karan Tejwani
- 26 Sept 2022 13:55 BST
- 4 min read
Jurrien Timber has had a great international break, forming a fine partnership in a back three along with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake at the heart of the Netherlands defence.
In both Nations League matches against Poland and Belgium, his performances were highly praised, and he was even named Man of the Match in the game against the former last Friday.
With just one friendly to go for the Netherlands before they kick off their World Cup campaign, it seems as though Louis van Gaal has found his ideal back three.
A lot was said about Timber’s decision to reject Manchester United and stay with Ajax, with a view towards getting a World Cup place, but that call is now proving to be a sensible one.
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Timber right to stay at Ajax
Earlier in the summer, Timber was linked with a move to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag keen to bring the star Ajax defender over to Old Trafford to rebuild the Red Devils’ defence.
He didn’t make the transfer, as Louis van Gaal advised him it could affect his place in the Dutch national team as he may not make an immediate impact at Manchester United, and he stayed at Ajax.
The decision was questioned by some Manchester United faithful, who believed he showed a weak mentality, but his actions can now be justified as he has a starting place ahead of the World Cup.
Van Gaal was experimenting with his Dutch defence previously, debating which of Timber, Ake, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Daley Blind and Bruno Martins Indi should accompany Van Dijk at the back.
Now, with less than two months to go before the Netherlands kick off against Senegal, his back three looks to be settled and for Timber, there’s a big few months incoming.
Van der Vaart: "Timber is never panicking. Usually when a centre back gets the ball in midfield he starts thinking "oh sh*t", but not him. He is so comfortable on the ball and he is no longer a player that suddenly arrived in the top." pic.twitter.com/D0kGrKyVLZ
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 25, 2022
Timber is 21, has a starting place at Ajax, a place in the Dutch national team, at a Champions League club where he plays regularly and most importantly, has a bright future.
Louis van Gaal didn’t end this move back in June, he just encouraged the more sensible option, and judging by the player’s talents, interest in him will always exist.
Van Dijk himself was full of praise for Timber's progress last week: “I was never that good at the age of Timber, he’s just 21. I can only praise him. His potential is so high, I’m sure.”
Others such as Pierre van Hooijdonk were also complimentary of his Nations League displays: "Jurrien Timber was once again excellent. We actually haven't seen Eden Hazard all game. Just like we didn't see Robert Lewandowski in the last game."
Lisandro Martinez, Timber’s counterpart at Ajax, made the transfer to Manchester United instead and it was deserved – he was further ahead in his development that Timber was.
Now, an impressive World Cup showing, combined with a good season at Ajax could grant the Dutch defender a move for a similar fee – there’s no rush, he’s enjoying his time at his boyhood club.
