Arsenal star Ben White has been outstanding in 2024, and has now signed a deserved new contract to extend his stay at the club.
The 26-year-old has been instrumental for Mikel Arteta this season. Whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber have been absent for large spells of the season, White has single-handedly manned the fort at right-back and has excelled in different roles.
White’s recent performance against Brentford saw him deliver a game-winning display as he notched up two assists, and his output going forward has improved overall this season.
The defender has now revealed how Bukayo Saka has helped him improve his output, as the two link up well on the right side.
Ben White praises Bukayo Saka for helping improve his output
Speaking to Arsenal club media following his contract confirmation, White claimed that his rotation with Saka on the right wing has allowed him to attack the goal more.
“Because B [Bukayo Saka] and I rotate a lot, I find myself in the pocket sometimes on the right wing. I’m getting in and around it to get into the positions to shoot or have a go. It’s nice when one of them goes in,” he stated.
White has scored twice and assisted four times in 27 Premier League games this season, which is just one assist short of his season total from last season.
Ben White has excelled going forward for Arsenal
White has recently played an inverted role on the right whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko has been absent, and the Englishman immediately took to his new role, with his ability to learn quickly so valuable to Mikel Arteta.
This has seen him tuck into midfield when in possession, and when he goes forward, he now offers Saka a passing option on the inside as well as on the overlap.
White helps the attackers around him create more by offering another body at the edge of the box in possession, whilst also remaining strong defensively. He is robust when it comes to injury, performs consistently every game and covers a lot of ground as he balances defence and attack well.
The defender’s new contract is fully deserved, and despite a fallout with Gareth Southgate blocking him from accepting an England call-up, he has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the country.