Why Ajax's Jurrien Timber is one of Europe's most in-demand defenders and will he move to Manchester United?

Will Jurrien Timber follow Erik ten Hag to Manchester United this summer? The 20-year-old centre-back made 43 appearances for Ajax this season and was a key player as they retained the Eredivisie title. New Manchester United manager Ten Hag said recently that “all top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights”, but he is under contract with the Dutch side until 2024. Ad/> Eurosport Netherlands' Kevin Van Nunen gives an in-depth view on Timber, including what the future holds, who he compares to, his strengths, and which league would suit him best… Premier LeagueTen Hag: Ronaldo is a giant and I want to keep himA DAY AGO What sort of player is Timber? If you ask any Ajax fan they will tell you Jurrien Timber is the natural successor to Matthijs de Ligt.

Perr Schuurs was the crown prince's replacement after De Ligt left for Juventus in 2019, but he has never really made it. He loses one-on-one duels too often, isn’t really a killer at the back, always has a weak moment, is guilty of letting goals in or giving chances away. He’s just not reliable.

Schuurs is 22 but despite being two years younger Jurrien Timber is the opposite of him. He can shut down a striker, wins his personal battles, doesn’t show any weakness and solves problems when he comes one on one with an attacker and is a really reliable defender. His appearance is one of confidence, while Schuurs look like a rabbit in headlights at times.

Paper Round: Chelsea want Lewandowski Xhaka questions 'balls' of Arsenal team-mates The comparison with De Ligt is of course an easy one. But sometimes easy is good. De Ligt is already forgotten…because now Ajax has Timber.