07 Aug 2022 14:06:16
I'm presuming we won't be looking to buy a no. 6 as a back-up for Partey, but what would people think about Ben White stepping into the role? I think he has the tools to be a great 6, just not sure whether he would have the ability to beat the high press with dribbling (like Partey can) . I think it'd be worth giving him a go in that position in EL/ league cup to see (and making sure we don't overplay Partey) when Tomi is back to full fitness and at RB.

{Ed001's Note - he did play there a number of times for Leeds and Brighton.}


1.) 07 Aug 2022
07 Aug 2022 18:09:13
I just don’t think White is good enough to command a first team spot, especially in a team aiming top 4 upwards . He’s at the level of chambers IMO.


2.) 07 Aug 2022
07 Aug 2022 21:12:04
I can certainly see him as a defensive midfielder, mooted it a few time in my Arsenal WhatsApp group. I think he has more potential there than at CB.


3.) 07 Aug 2022
07 Aug 2022 22:44:25
I think as Banbury has said, he really hasn’t shown himself to be any better than Chambers so far, who also could play RB, CD and as a defensive midfielder, and all bang averagely. Still, the manager sees something in him that we all don’t, and supposedly he can distribute the ball well, which although currently unproven, if is true, would serve him well in the DM role. I do also like having some taller players in the team. Last year we were poor at corners, but suddenly, having White, Saliba, Gabriel and perhaps TP in the same team, we suddenly have 4 players all capable of making a nuisance, and we would look a force at dead ball crosses.


4.) 08 Aug 2022
08 Aug 2022 01:35:20
That's harsh Ox. White is several steps above Handsome Cal both with the ball at his feet and his ability to deal with players running at him.

I agree I'd like to see what he can do in the 6 role. Arteta is a Pep disciple, and Pep is a master at using that kind of flexibility.


5.) 08 Aug 2022
08 Aug 2022 10:21:14
Poor at corners last year?

Didn't we have the best record for goals conceded and the 3rd best goals scored from corners?

whilst not perfect at all, it was a new defense last season and I thought that we were hugely improved at the back last season, and a big part of that is what White. i'm sure the price tag will have a influence on peoples opinion of him as he cist so much more than our other defenders and i get that but i really do feel that we have 3 BD that are all pretty much at the same level (admittedly I have not seen huge amounts of Saliba)


6.) 08 Aug 2022
08 Aug 2022 10:26:04
White made the highest number of challenges in the Premier league on Friday, perhaps a lot of his work goes unnoticed?


7.) 08 Aug 2022
08 Aug 2022 10:45:20
I have to disagree with those saying he isn't an upgrade on chambers as I think his reading of the game is much better, and in general is a lot more comfortable on the ball and in 1v1s. He also has a bit of the dark arts about him like knowing when to tactically foul (e. g shirt tug vs zaha when he knew he wouldn't beat him in a race) . I just think he'd be a good option as the lone 6 in case Partey isn't playing. My fear is that if Partey doesn't play then we don't have a lone 6 in our midfield currently that can really progress the ball when playing out from the back and beat the press. As great as Elneny was last season when he stepped in, he's only effective out of possession - he isn't a progressive passer at all and having a progressive 6 is so key to MAs playstyle. I think White could do a good job in that role if given some game time there in the cup games as I said.