Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta was posed with plenty of questions by reporters.
One of those was centred on Jurrien Timber, who has had a superb second year with the Gunners.
The Netherlands international picked up a serious knee injury at the beginning of his debut campaign.
Timber made just three appearances last season but has been terrific for the London giants this term.
Arteta said that the £43 million-rated star has been ‘incredible’ and is a ‘leader’ in the squad.
Despite a tough start after a ‘really difficult injury’, Arteta feels he has been ‘remarkable’ for the club.
He told Arsenal.com: “Incredible. Nobody probably realised the player that we signed until he stepped through that door and started to show every quality that he has on the human side because he’s a leader.
“He had a really tough start, having a really difficult injury almost a year out, and then the way he’s been going this season, it’s just remarkable.
“He’s in a different position with different demands but is always so consistent. Hopefully tomorrow he will be in the best condition to play the game.”
The 23-year-old has made 42 appearances for the Gunners this campaign. The majority of his playing time has come from the right-back position.
The Dutchman benefited from Ben White’s knee surgery earlier this season. He has kept his place in the line-up despite White’s return in February.
Timber will most certainly start from right-back against Los Blancos. He could have a huge role to play in nullifying the threat of Vinicius Junior.
Arsenal go into the game as underdogs despite home advantage. They need a quick start with a goal tomorrow to make a strong statement.
The Gunners have fared well against the so-called Big Six in the Premier League in recent years but face a massive test of their credentials versus Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are one of the best teams on the counter-attack. Arsenal must produce a flawless display to come up with a first-leg victory.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
