Ben White has been a consistent performer for Arsenal and someone who probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
William Saliba and Gabriel are usually stealing the defensive limelight for Arsenal and they get applauded left, right and centre for their performances.
But the man to their right continues to plug away and play a key role in Mikel Arteta’s side producing the best defence in the Premier League.
Ben White played 37 Premier League games last term, scoring four goals and setting up another four as Arsenal were pipped to the title by Manchester City.
They only conceded 29 goals – and whilst defences win you titles – it wasn’t meant to be for those from north London.
It was a gruelling campaign for many with Saliba to Bukayo Saka then taking part in Euro 2024, with Copa America also taking centre stage.
This just added to the already-full fixture list of players to have to deal with, but if you are Ben White, then you got your well-earned rest.
White has opted against playing for England – when the previous manager Gareth Southgate was in charge – and it caused quite the storm.
Even with interim boss Lee Carsley coming in, he hasn’t picked the Arsenal man and Carl Jenkinson is trying to understand what is happening.
The former Arsenal right-back stated that it ‘doesn’t actually make sense’ as to why White isn’t in the squad because he is good enough to do so, as he told talkSPORT (04/09/24 at 5:30 pm).
Ben White is not included in the England squad
“Ben White is top,” said Jenkinson. “You know as well as I do watching him every week. I don’t know, maybe there is something more to what we are unaware of.
“For me, it doesn’t actually really make sense that he’s not in the squad, at a minimum. If you watch him every week for Arsenal, you can’t tell me he isn’t good enough to be in the England squad. Is there something more to that, I don’t know.
“I don’t know the ins and outs. Does anyone? You hear stuff in the media and the press, but does anyone really know what conversation went on.”
Advantage Arsenal
Yes, fans will think that White deserves to play and the £50 million star is good enough to start for his country, but in the long term, it’s an advantage to them.
White is rested up and isn’t one who can complain about a heavy workload because there are no international fixtures on his calendar.
READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal ace believes Mikel Arteta shares same key quality as Thierry Henry, it ‘can’t be taught’
Arsenal dropped points against Brighton last time out and some huge games await them after the international break.
It’s the small matter of the north London derby against Tottenham, with Arteta’s side picking up four points from this fixture last season.
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