Ben White: 'I know I'm not the best' despite Arsenal success
- Ben White admits he knows his limitations at right-back
- Arsenal star praised for gamesmanship but says he's 'not the best one-v-one defender'
- England international forms key part of formidable Gunners backline
By Sean Walsh
Arsenal's Ben White has stressed he knows his limitations despite proving to be one of their key players in recent years.
White signed for the Gunners for £50m from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2021, but has largely silenced critics of his significant transfer fee.
After forming a fine centre-back partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in his debut season, White has almost exclusively played at right-back for Arsenal since the start of the 2022/23 campaign due to William Saliba's emergence.
White is now considered one of the best in his position in the Premier League, while he has recently been praised for his gamesmanship and streetwise traits in lieu of any notable pace.
In an interview with journalists from the Arsenal beat, White admitted he has watched viral videos of himself tripping over opponents, but insisted this is a necessity in order to play well at right-back.
"Some of the videos I have seen," he said. "Maybe others don't see it, but if I lost the runner or if I don't do that, they will probably score. It comes back to doing anything to win.
"I know I'm not going to stop everyone and I know I'm not the best one-v-one defender, but I know I can do things to help the team in game situations against their winger.
"Every game, normally the winger is the best player so it's always a challenge and I have to do my homework and try and stop him. There's all sorts [happening at set-pieces], standing on your feet, elbows. It's OK. I just have to stand in the way and see what happens."
When asked about the specifics of his role and stepping into midfield, White added: "I think when you have Mikel [Arteta] as your manager, it is quite easy and he makes it simple for you.
"There were just a lot of instructions of where I need to be, when I need to be there. I think most of the players could play in that position, because the key if you want to play for Arsenal is that you have got to be so technically-gifted, strong and fast. I think most of the players could do it.
"I am comfortable playing in there, but there are completely different things to look at. Like for me, playing centre-back and right-back, I only have to look forward - I never worry about what is behind me. This [role] is a completely different part of the game."
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