Virgil van Dijk's prediction for Jurrien Timber has come true ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is a big fan of fellow countryman Jurrien Timber, who he will line up against as the Reds travel to Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday

Virgil van Dijk and Jurrien Timber.(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool will face the big challenge of taking on Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday, with the Reds looking to get another result against the Gunners.

Earlier this season, Liverpool won 1-0 against the current league leader thanks to a sensational goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. A few months on, Arsenal is six points clear at the summit and 14 ahead of Arne Slot's men.

Key to the title push has been a strong defense, which contains the impressive Jurrien Timber. The 24-year-old has started each of the last six games for his club and could be in the line-up again at the Emirates Stadium later this week.

"I wasn't nearly as far along as he is now (at the same age)," Van Dijk said in 2022, having just lined up alongside Timber, then 21, for the Dutch national team.

"I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be alright, I think."

Timber almost moved to Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was in charge. However, Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands manager, told him that he wouldn't be selected for the World Cup if he didn't play.

Jurrien Timber of Arsenal(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Deciding to stay at Ajax for another year as a result, Timber then joined Arsenal, where he has settled in and become a key man for Mikel Arteta in the Spaniard's solid defensive unit.

"First of all we will recover from [Fulham], but from Tuesday on, we will definitely look at the strength that they have," Van Dijk told reporters ahead of facing Arsenal.

"They have a fantastic squad with players on the pitch and also coming from the bench.

"We all know at home they are unbeaten this season, I think, in all competitions. So it is a nice challenge and we should be ready for a big fight.

"I'm really looking forward to it and I think everyone should. That is the only way to try to get a result over there.

"There is no reason to not look forward to it, in my opinion. Another opportunity, but first recover and then we'll focus on that."

Liverpool.com says: Timber is exactly the kind of player that Arne Slot could do with at Anfield. He is a big talent, versatile, and with more levels to reach in the next few years.

Needing more depth at the back this season, Liverpool needs to be in the market for someone with similar value in the summer, if not before, probably regardless of what happens with Marc Guehi.