Jurriën Timber, the Dutch defender has been doing great at Ajax and his national side after signing a deal until June 2025 with the top-flight Eredivisie team. Fellow Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk, who plays for Liverpool, but is on an international break where he’s played alongside Timber, was all praises for the 21-year-old. 

“I was never that good at the age of Timber, he’s just 21… I can only praise him. His potential is so high, I’m sure”, the 31-year-old centre-back said, as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

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The Dutch youngster was targeted by several Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window. Manchester United approached the right-back, as part of their new manager Erik ten Hag’s drive to change the squad, filling it with a few members of his former club – Ajax. United right now play Diogot Dalot in that position but have handpicked Antony and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax over the course of the transfer window. 

Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in Timber but it was unlikely Ajax would sell anyway since they lost three other players – Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui to Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively. 

Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal, who at one point managed United, has entrusted Timber to start alongside Van Djik. He’s also a regular in the Ajax first team and has surprisingly seated Matthijs de Ligt in the international scene. 

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He’s also been selected ahead of Stefan de Vrij, and Van Djik commented on Van Gaal’s instructions to the team, which have been clear. 

“I think everyone knows their role at the moment”, the Liverpudlian said, adding, “The national coach is very clear about this. Everyone feels the responsibility, whether you play or not. Of course, it is not easy to deal with that, because you always want to I think they are doing an excellent job and will always be there when we need them. Also in terms of input, towards the team. That is also necessary to be successful”, Metro reported.