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Ben White was one of Arsenal's standout players in their 1-0 Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid, but he was arguably his side's unsung hero throughout the tie.
In the continued absence of Jurrien Timber, the England international started at right back for the fourth consecutive game and shined as he completed the full 90 minutes to help his side into the final of Europe's premier competition.
There had been doubts over his performances this season, with persistent fitness problems and inconsistent form preventing him from building a good run, but White certainly proved his worth in the win over Atletico.
Ben White was Arsenal's unsung hero in semi-final win over Atletico Madrid
Having effectively been displaced as his side's first choice right back since the start of the 2024/25 season, White has found game time hard to come by throughout the campaign, primarily relying on appearances in the cup competitions.
However, Timber's injury has offered the six-cap England international a way back into the lineup and that saw him start one of the most important games of Arsenal's season - Tuesday's semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
He had already put in a good showing in last week's first leg at the Metropolitano and the weekend's Premier League win over Fulham, but this was the time for him to really make a statement and rise to the occasion.
White managed to keep Ademola Lookman quiet throughout the night, and did the same for Álex Baena when he replaced the Nigeria international near the hour mark, reducing Atletico's threat down the left flank.
He was also quick to react to long balls and crosses, making four clearances and making six overall defensive contributions to help his side keep a crucial clean sheet, their 30th shutout of the season.
His involvement wasn't just limited to defence as he got up the pitch well to link up with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, as him and the latter showed glimpses of reigniting the right flank spark that offered so much in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 title-chasing campaigns.
White's struggle for game time has led to speculation over his future as an Arsenal player with the summer transfer window just over a month away from opening, but his recent performances, especially his semi-final showing could have saved his career in North London.
He did what he needed to do and did so in brilliant fashion against Atletico and was no doubt his side's unsung hero.
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