Gabriel Magalhães has been outstanding for Arsenal this season. He’s owned that backline always solid, always in control. And he’s not just breaking up attacks; he’s popping up with goals, too.
Honestly, week after week, Gabriel’s been the rock Arsenal lean on. Teaming up with William Saliba, he’s helped build one of the toughest defensive duos in the Premier League.
Fans see it, pundits talk about it, and the stats back it up. Still, Ian Wright (Arsenal legend) thinks someone else in Arteta’s squad is catching up to Gabriel’s level, and fast.
Ian Wright Backs Jurrien Timber as One of the League’s Best
On the Stick to Football podcast, when Gary Neville asked who the best defender in the Premier League is, Wright didn’t hesitate to throw a surprise name into the mix.
“Best defender? Gabriel, do you reckon?” Neville asked.
Wright replied: “Timber’s pushing him close. Obviously, Gabi scores the goals.”
That short statement says a lot about how impressive Jurrien Timber has been since returning from injury. While Gabriel has been Arsenal’s rock and Saliba remains elite, Timber’s performances have been nothing short of world-class.
The Dutch international has adapted brilliantly to Arteta’s system, showing remarkable composure, awareness, and tactical intelligence whether playing at right-back or drifting inside as an inverted full-back. His return has strengthened Arsenal’s defensive unit to the point where they now boast one of Europe’s best backlines.
Timber’s Remarkable Comeback from Injury
What makes Timber’s rise even more remarkable is his comeback story. After suffering a devastating ACL injury on his Premier League debut, many wondered how long it would take for him to rediscover his rhythm.
But since returning, the 24-year-old has looked sharper, stronger, and more confident than ever — seamlessly integrating into one of the most demanding defensive systems in the league.
Ten Hag’s Praise for Timber
One man who isn’t surprised by Timber’s success is Erik ten Hag, his former coach at Ajax. The former Manchester United boss once described Timber as a player with a warrior’s mentality.
“Jurrien is a soldier. Ruthless, and he knows that in top football it is ‘eat or be eaten’. That’s how he sees it. He is proactive, he doesn’t wait,” Ten Hag said after Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid.
That description perfectly captures Timber’s playing style proactive, fearless, and relentlessly disciplined.
Arsenal’s Defensive Depth Is Terrifying
With Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori, and Timber all performing at a high level, Arsenal have assembled arguably the most balanced defensive line in the Premier League. And while Gabriel’s leadership and goal contributions keep him in the spotlight, Timber’s technical precision and intelligence are what make this defence truly elite.
Whether you see Gabriel as Arsenal’s best defender or believe Timber is already matching him stride for stride, one thing is certain — Mikel Arteta has built a defensive unit capable of challenging anyone in Europe.
