Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has explained that Benjamin White will often not pass to him during matches as the centre-half is a ‘good player’, via quotes by the Daily Mail.
Tomiyasu followed White to the Emirates Stadium this summer as a last-ditch addition to Mikel Arteta’s defence. The Gunners paid Bologna £15.5m at the death of Deadline Day for the Japan international, who has often featured beside £50m former Brighton star White.
Arteta is yet to post a Premier League starting line-up without Tomiyasu since the 23-year-old’s transfer. White has also made the north Londoners’ last 13 squads and 14 from all 16.
Arsenal have also kept six clean sheets over their 13 games with both White and Tomiyasu on the pitch. Their last came against Southampton on Saturday and will hope for another at home to West Ham United on Wednesday.
Tomiyasu explains on-field relationship with Arsenal star White
But while Arsenal have often boasted a tight unit with Tomiyasu and White featuring, their on-field relationship has created questions. Supporters have noted how the latter has often overlooked the former when open to receive a pass, with both playing on the same side.
Yet Tomiyasu explains that White will often look to move play up the field than into his feet as that is the best option for Arsenal to transition the ball without making hurried actions.
“It is because Ben White is a good player,” Tomiyasu explained. “Often, passes from the centre-back to the full-backs become ‘pressure passes’.
“I play centre-back too, and simple passes to the full-backs are actually the last option I consider. If the full-back is not under opposition pressure, I will play the pass. But if the winger is right in front, you’ll end up caught by the press.
“So, Ben White is a good player who doesn’t play passes that put you under pressure.”
Arteta will admire how White and Tomiyasu have bought into his desire for Arsenal to play out from the back. Both are comfortable with the ball at their feet, while 24-year-old White is also not afraid to run the ball up the field if appropriate avenues present themselves.
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