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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayJack Holmes was a member of the Snack Media Academy before becoming an evergreen writer and then opinions writer with Football FanCast. Jack has previously written for the Liverpool Echo and Mersey Sports Live and currently writes for AFTV.
Jack completed a History and International Relations undergraduate degree at Exeter University in 2021 before undertaking a Masters in Sports Journalism at Liverpool John Moores University a year later. Jack is a football fanatic and a keen fan of Cricket and Formula 1. A lifelong fan of Arsenal, jack specialises in football writing.
In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.
Mikel Arteta's side's win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.
Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.
As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.
The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season
It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.
On top of being a "colossus" at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition's penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.
Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners' team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him "the most electrifying man in sports entertainment."
While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.
Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.
The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.
On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman's passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.
However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.
The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season
Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team's best player this season.
The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a "different dimension" entirely this year.
On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a "monster" performance in the words of Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.
For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.
However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he's become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.
More than that, though, he's also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.
However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.
|
Through Balls |
0.91 |
Top 1% |
|
Goals |
0.23 |
Top 4% |
|
Non-Penalty Goals |
0.23 |
Top 4% |
|
Tackles |
3.52 |
Top 4% |
|
Tackles (Mid 3rd) |
1.25 |
Top 4% |
|
Tackles (Att 3rd) |
0.80 |
Top 4% |
|
xG: Expected Goals |
0.23 |
Top 7% |
|
Progressive Passes |
6.02 |
Top 7% |
|
Shots on Target |
0.57 |
Top 7% |
|
Passes into Penalty Area |
1.59 |
Top 7% |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
3.18 |
Top 7% |
|
Touches (Att Pen) |
3.64 |
Top 7% |
|
Goals + Assists |
0.34 |
Top 9% |
|
Shots Total |
1.25 |
Top 9% |
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it's still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal's best player, but arguably the best in the league.
Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.


















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