Why Ben White is a crucial part of this Arsenal team

  • Since signing for the Gunners in 2021, Ben White has become one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League.
Ben White in action against Brentford
Ben White in action against Brentford / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages
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Ben White in defence

Ben White, Justin Kluivert
Ben White often makes last-ditch blocks and tackles / Christopher Lee/GettyImages

Despite having an important attacking role in this Arsenal side, White still provides plenty of contribution to the defence. He ensures to drop back and defend when necessary, working well with William Saliba on the right side.

White's defensive contribution is heavily backed up by the stats. He has made 16 blocks in the league so far this season and this is the second highest among the Arsenal players, behind only William Saliba. He has shown more than once that he is willing to put himself on the line in order to make a last-ditch block or tackle. With an average of 0.70 shots blocked per 90 minutes in the league, White ranks in the 82nd percentile of all defenders.

There are plenty of other strengths to his defending, such as clearances and interceptions. White has made 44 clearances in the Premier League so far, the third-highest in the Arsenal squad. He has also made 23 interceptions this season. An average of 1.01 interceptions per 90 minutes in the league puts White in the 73rd percentile of all defenders.

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