Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Ben White ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
The Gunners boss, speaking to football.london, said he is “extremely happy” with the 25-year-old.
White has adapted well to playing at right-back and his link-up play with his teammates is really good.
The England international is a centre-back by trade, but he has been playing at right-back this season.
William Saliba’s emergence and Gabriel Magalhaes’ quality meant Arteta had some thinking to do.
The risk was that one of the three centre-backs may have found himself with fewer starts than he deserves.
However, White adapted superbly at right-back and starts regularly alongside Saliba and Gabriel.
More recently, the £50million man has also become more of a creative threat with goal contributions.
Disappointingly, White was left out of the latest England team, which faced Italy and Ukraine in March.
When asked about it, Arteta replied: “I’m extremely happy with him. He’s adapted to the position really well.
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“The way they flow, the way they play together with a few players and the way they link up has been great.
“He’ll have other opportunities for sure.”
Our view
White has been superb for Arsenal since joining in 2021.
Not only is he outstanding at centre-back but he has developed into a quality right-back.
This is just the kind of quality and versatility that contributes to teams that win trophies.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines, White’s switch to right-back has been an oustanding call.
Up next for Arsenal is Liverpool away, a massive game for Arteta and his charges.
Obviously the title race has some way to go, and a lot can change, with Manchester City also in fine form.
However, beating a dangerous Liverpool side at Anfield would go a long way towards that first title since 2004.
In other news, Mikel Arteta delivers Ben White verdict ahead of Arsenal trip to Liverpool
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