Jaap Stam has discussed incoming Arsenal signing Jurrien Timber (Pictures: Getty)
Manchester United hero Jaap Stam has addressed concerns over the physicality of Jurrien Timber ahead of his move to Arsenal.
Ajax defender Timber is closing in on a £40m move to Arsenal after undergoing a medical at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
The 22-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for Ajax and has 15 caps for the Netherlands.
Despite starring in the Eredivisie and for his country, it has been suggested that Timber, who is 5 ft 10 in, could struggle in the Premier League.
But Stam, who won three league titles at Manchester United, told CharlesWatts.football: ‘I don’t think you need to worry about that.
‘I think as a fan as well when you follow Arsenal you need to look at the philosophy of how they’re playing and what their strengths are.
‘That’s what the managers do, that’s what happens at Man City, that’s what happens at Man United.
Timber has impressed for Ajax and Netherlands (Picture: Getty)
‘If you bring in a player you are looking to be very dominant and want to keep possession, it means you don’t need to defend a lot.
‘Of course we all know it is going to happen we all know in the Premier League you will be in positions where you need to defend but you will calculate that as a manager.
‘We all know Timber is not the biggest, but Zinchenko is not the biggest on the other side. You need to be clever in your duels and one vs ones.
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‘I don’t think it’s a worry. Going into the Premier League is a learning curve for him and these are things he needs to address and be aware of.
‘He will notice during games that he might need to change certain bits as well to be more successful. He’s a clever guy so he knows that so he will step up to that.
‘The most important thing to know is he is very good on the ball, he can defend, he’s got pace, he’s clever in his one vs ones. I wouldn’t worry too much.’
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Arsenal have spent £40m on the Dutch defender.
