According to Sam Dean of the Telegraph, playing at right-back has caused some fitness issues for Ben White at Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, the England international has been used in his natural centre-back role by Mikel Arteta since making a £50m move from Brighton in July 2021.
However, the return of William Saliba has seen White shoved over to right-back.
The Arsenal No.4 coped tremendously with the threat of Wilfried Zaha in the opening day 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, and continued to shine in that position as the Gunners won five of their first six Premier League games.
However, Dean claims that White is now suffering due to the added demands of playing as a full-back.
You can see the Telegraph journalist’s tweet in full below.
The update comes just a day after it was revealed that White missed out on a place in the 28-man England squad, with Gareth Southgate bizarrely deciding to include the likes of Harry Maguire and Conor Coady instead.
As we detailed yesterday, the Arsenal defender should be furious about that decision.
Ben White is a team player at Arsenal
Despite the unfortunate fitness issues caused by playing at right-back, White deserves huge credit for his professionalism this season.
Some players may have kicked up a fuss when being told their position would change to make room for a 21-year-old with no Premier League experience whatsoever.
However, White has dealt with Arteta’s decision like a model professional, helping Arsenal maintain the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League while also sitting atop the division.
Hopefully, the 24-year-old’s body can adjust to the demands of playing at right-back as time goes on, and he can continue to help the Gunners as they aim to return to the Champions League – or even win the title.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
