“He’s a beast” – Calafiori and Mosquera both name the same Arsenal star built for American football.
Arsenal have built one of the most powerful, physically dominant squads in Europe under Mikel Arteta — and that strength is becoming a defining feature of this team.
From Declan Rice’s engine to Gabriel Magalhães’ presence, the Gunners are packed with athletes. But according to Riccardo Calafiori speaking on arsenal media there’s one player who stands above the rest — someone so strong he could literally swap the Premier League for the NFL.
That man is Jurrien Timber.
“He’s a Beast” – Calafiori and Mosquera Praise Timber’s Strength
Ahead of Stan Kroenke’s LA Rams facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley this week, several Arsenal players were asked who among them could make it in the NFL.
Without hesitation, Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera both named Timber.
“I think JT – Jurrien,” Calafiori said. “He really likes that sport. And he’s strong, you know? He’s a beast.”
Timber laughed off the praise but agreed that raw power matters — and cheekily added his own picks for the NFL draft:
“I’d probably say Martinelli because he’s so fast. Maybe David Raya as a quarterback, you know?”
Jurrien Timber Has Been Arsenal’s Powerhouse This Season
Since returning from a serious ACL injury that kept him out for most of the 2023/24 campaign, Timber has been nothing short of sensational.
He’s arguably been Arsenal’s player of the season so far, dominating games from right-back and showing why Arteta trusted him to slot straight back into the starting XI.
Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong even called him a “rock”, while Ian Wright compared him to a boxer in the way he battles through duels.
Timber’s combination of strength, control, and intelligence has made him the best right-back in the Premier League — and Calafiori’s comments only underline the impact he’s had.
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Declan Rice Crowned Arsenal’s “NFL MVP”
In the full squad vote, Declan Rice was the most popular pick to make it in the NFL. Three of his teammates — Eberechi Eze, Martinelli, and Mikel Merino — all named him as their choice.
Martinelli explained:
“Maybe Dec. This is The Horse. Powerful, strong — I think he’d do really well in the NFL.”
Eze agreed:
“Dec! He’s got too much energy, man!”
Rice’s combination of physicality, stamina, and leadership has made him one of the most complete midfielders in world football — and clearly, one of Arsenal’s most respected teammates.
Arsenal’s Other NFL Picks
Here’s how the rest of the squad voted when asked who could trade football for the NFL:
Arsenal Player
Who They Picked
Bukayo Saka
Viktor Gyökeres
Mikel Merino
Declan Rice / Noni Madueke
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Himself
Declan Rice
Gabriel Martinelli
Ben White
Gabriel Magalhães
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres
Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel Martinelli
Declan Rice
David Raya
Gabriel Martinelli
Eberechi Eze
Declan Rice
Ethan Nwaneri
Myles Lewis-Skelly
In total, Timber, Gabriel, Martinelli, and Lewis-Skelly each received two votes — but Rice came out as the clear winner.
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AFTV Verdict
Arsenal’s squad isn’t just technically gifted — it’s built like a team of modern-day gladiators. From Timber’s power to Rice’s dominance and Martinelli’s raw pace, this group could go toe-to-toe with anyone, on any stage.
It’s no wonder Calafiori calls Timber a beast. He’s been everything Arteta wants from a defender — strong, fearless, and relentless.
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