Arsenal: 4 reasons Benjamin White is underappreciated

3. Benjamin White is a Leader & Captain Material

Immense credit has to go to Arteta for the signings he earmarked, because not only do they have the requisite quality, they also arrive with their own leadership capacity.

Sambi Lokonga captained Anderlecht, Martin Odegaard captains his country, and Ramsdale is a breath of fresh air with his constant communication at the back. Among them is White, who is showing an increasing amount of leadership unlike that one expects to see from his usually quiet demeanour off the pitch.

"“There are some future captains. Gabriel, big Gabi, has got a presence and leadership at the back. I think when he’s going to be more fluent with English, it will help a lot,” Lacazette said of potential skippers in the group back in February. “Ben White as well, he’s quieter maybe. But by the way he plays he can be a good leader and maybe with an edge can build up.”"

As much as he may not appear a man of many words, he’s someone who takes the initiative when Arsenal play, either demanding or being entrusted with the ball at the back and happy to shoulder the responsibility if the opposition are tough to break down.

In the recent win over Wolves, particularly in the first half, it was him kept plugging away and was willing to be the one his teammates turned to in need of a spark. In his very first interview after signing he said one of his finer qualities was that he’s someone to turn to in tough times.

Always in communication with those around him, the way he interacts with the younger players on the pitch paints the picture of someone much more involved than we may have thought. He exudes authority, an infectious calmness, class and maturity. And, even he thinks he’s capable:

"“I think I’ve got some of the qualities to be captain, but we’ll see in time,” White said."

It should still be Odegaard, though.

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