Alan Shearer has included Arsenal defender Ben White in his Premier League Team of the Week after the Gunners eased past Tottenham to win 3-1 – claiming the versatile defender is just as good in defence, as he is in attack.
Goals from Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka saw Arsenal gain revenge on Spurs. It comes after Antonio Conte’s side finished in fourth, pushing Arsenal into the Europa League. Harry Kane scored a penalty in the 3-1 loss.
White, 24, has been converted into a right-back under Mikel Arteta. Arguably one of Arsenal’s best players last season at centre-back, the return of William Saliba has pushed him to the right. He has started all eight league games so far.
Against Tottenham, he came up against one of the league’s best left-wingers in Son Heung-min. But he kept the South Korean quiet with an excellent performance, even getting an assist. Shearer said: “Excellent at both ends of the pitch.”
Shearer: Arsenal defender White just as good in defence as in attack
If Arsenal fans paid any notice to White’s loan spell at Leeds United in 2019-20, they might have seen this coming. Whenever White got possession in defence, he was either trying a long-range pass – or dribbling out of defence.
The England international is technically superb, far more than many of England’s current centre-backs. His versatility, which allows him to also play in midfield, has allowed Arteta to seamlessly fit Saliba into the middle of the defence.
Such have White’s displays been exceptional, that he is keeping recognised right-backs Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares out of the side. If Gareth Southgate wants a versatile defender, good on the ball in Qatar – look no further.
Indeed, he was just as good in attack. Often getting forward as he begins to grow in confidence from the right side of the defence. His assist for Thomas Partey allowed the Ghanaian to strike first time, showing football intelligence.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
