In a candid and emotional press conference, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has shed light on the atmosphere within the squad, revealing a sense of loss that has deeply affected both players and staff.
The Dutch defender opened up about how the absence of a key player has disrupted the balance of the team, and surprisingly, it’s not one of the usual headline-makers like Kai Havertz or Gabriel Magalhães.
Timber pointed to none other than Thomas Partey as the player whose absence has left a significant void in Arsenal’s lineup.
The Ghanaian midfielder has been out of action due to injury for several weeks, and according to Timber, the impact has been far greater than many might have realized.
“I miss him every day,” Timber admitted.
“Now that he’s not around, it’s become obvious just how central he is to everything we do.
Without him, the team feels like it’s lacking purpose at times.”
While fans and pundits often focus on the influence of players like captain Martin Ødegaard or star winger Bukayo Saka, Timber’s comments have shifted the spotlight to Partey, highlighting the vital role he plays in maintaining the team’s structure and rhythm.
Timber didn’t hesitate to suggest that Partey’s presence could have changed the outcome of recent matches, particularly their disappointing performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
“If Thomas had played against PSG, I truly believe we would have won that match without much trouble,” he stated.
“He gives us balance, shields the defense, and keeps the midfield flowing. We simply don’t have anyone else who can do what he does.”
Beyond his technical contribution on the pitch, Timber also emphasized Partey’s leadership qualities.
Though not known for being outspoken, Partey commands immense respect within the squad.
“He’s not the type to talk a lot, but when he does, everyone pays attention,” Timber said.
“He’s calm under pressure, and that calmness is exactly what we’re lacking right now.”
Timber’s heartfelt tribute quickly gained traction among Arsenal supporters online, many of whom echoed his sentiments.
They noted that while attention has often been placed on more visible stars, Partey’s absence has been a silent but significant factor in the team’s recent struggles.
Manager Mikel Arteta has yet to publicly respond to Timber’s remarks, but reports suggest he is eager to see Partey return to action as Arsenal prepares for a demanding stretch of fixtures.
The defender’s words have not only underlined Partey’s value to the squad but have also sparked discussions around the need for reliable backup in future transfer windows to ensure Arsenal remains competitive, even in the absence of key figures.
