Thanks for your feedback.
I tried some different options for the timer. I started at the top of the screen, but decided that due to the fast gameplay and you have to keep track of the player it was too much out of your vision. So I changed it to the top of the player-character. Last minute I also tried to have it full screen in the background - but that also was too distracting / not visible enough
But I agree, I still found the timer a bit too technical - would've loved to have it more visual when the direction change will occur.