Seedorf hails Timber as 'one of the best right backs in world football'
Jurrien Timber scored twice as the Netherlands thrashed Greece 7-0 in Amsterdam on Thursday night, a result that left Arsenal teammate Christos Tzolis on the losing side for the full 73 minutes he was on the pitch.
Playing at left back, Timber found the net twice in a performance that earned widespread praise from Dutch media and former internationals alike. Greece had been the surprise package of League A2, level on points with the Dutch heading into the match, but the contest was settled early.
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Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Tijjani Reijnders scored a 21 minute hat trick. Timber then got his first international goal as the half ended 5-0, before adding a second just before the hour mark. Donyell Malen made it seven with half an hour still to play.
Rave reviews for Timber
Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur gave Timber a 9/10 rating, writing: “The perfect joker, Xavi called him the day before the match. That proved to be true: On paper, he was the left back, but Timber played more like a half number 10, and he did so excellently. He crowned his masterclass with his first two goals for the Dutch national team.”
Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf was equally effusive, saying Timber “showed why he is arguably one of the best right backs in world football right now.” Seedorf went further, crediting Mikel Arteta for the player's development at Arsenal.
“Credit must go to Mikel Arteta for recognising his potential and deploying him as a permanent right back at Arsenal, giving him the freedom to push forward. Before that, he was more accustomed to playing as a centre back on the right side of defence,” Seedorf said. “He attacked with the confidence and explosiveness of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. His movement, overlapping runs and attacking intelligence were outstanding. Tonight, we saw just how dangerous Timber can be going forward. A right back turned into a prolific goalscorer!”
Tough night for Tzolis
It was a different story for Tzolis, who was on the pitch for all seven goals before being withdrawn in the 73rd minute. Greek media branded the result the country's third worst defeat in international football history and labelled it “unacceptable,” demanding an improvement in the group finale at home to Serbia on Monday.
Victory for Greece in that match would see them qualify for the quarter finals regardless of Germany's result at home to the Netherlands, with Greece holding the superior head to head record over Germany.
Timber will return to Arsenal duty having further enhanced his reputation as one of the division's most effective attacking full backs, with his form for club and country continuing to run in parallel.
