Perry Groves has told talkSPORT that Arsenal’s new signing, Ben White, has the potential to be ‘better’ than John Stones and Harry Maguire.
Arsenal have paid big bucks for the English centre-back, just like Manchester City did when they put £47.5 million on the table for Stones in 2016 (BBC Sport) and when their neighbours did the same in a record-breaking deal for Maguire two years later.
Some may feel that this is just a case of English players being overpriced, but Arsenal fans won’t care one jot if he produces the goods.
Former Arsenal man Groves shared that he likes what he sees from Mikel Arteta’s marquee signing, who walks straight into their XI.
“I think he has the potential to be as good if not better than John Stones and Harry Maguire in a couple of seasons time,” said Groves.
“Not straight away. If Arsenal aren’t a top club then he could go on a massive foreign club.
“I think he is more mobile than Harry Maguire. John Stones has defensively got a lot better this season and he doesn’t make so many mistakes. But Stones’ biggest plus point is that he’s very good on the ball.
“I have seen White, he is excellent on the ball – that’s why I think he has the potential if he gets the right coaching.”
Well, given the news that Gabriel might not be available for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Brentford, this opens the door for White to start.
There will be no settling down period for him now because it’s now time for him to swim with the big boys.
There will be big pressure on the former Brighton man’s shoulders because not only does he have to perform, but also try to make those around him better.
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