Michael Owen has heaped praise on Ben White for the role he played in Arsenal opening the scoring during their 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
Returning to his usual right-back role in recent weeks, Ben White’s overlapping run confused Tottenham’s backline, which allowed Bukayo Saka to cut onto his favoured left foot, with his shot then deflecting off Cristian Romero and into the back of the net.
The ‘drive and ‘enthusiasm’ that was shown by the Arsenal man during that passage of play impressed Michael Owen, as he told Premier League Productions (24/09/23 at 3:00 pm).
At the start of the campaign, Mikel Arteta decided to play Ben White at the heart of the defence, alongside William Saliba.
But the Gunners, to the relief of the fans, have since returned to normality, with Thomas Partey’s injury also playing a part in that.
Whilst Ben White started his career as a centre-back and played in that position when he first joined Arsenal, he has thrived at right-back during the past 12 months and that was proven against Spurs.
Ben White against Tottenham
“I just love the intention and the drive and enthusiasm of Ben White to make that run,” said Owen.
“He was miles away from the action. If he doesn’t make that run, then that’s not a goal. It causes disruption.”
Underrated Ben White
The 25-year-old might not be a loud character, but he is a reliable and consistent performer for the Gunners.
For one reason or another, he isn’t getting picked for England anymore, but it seems as though something might have gone on at the 2022 World Cup for him to no longer even be in consideration for his country now.
Either way, it all benefits Arsenal because it keeps him fresh, especially given that Arteta is another injury away from a fullback to going into meltdown at the back.
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