[Football] Talking point Ben White

[Doc Lynam]

Yes i know he's not our player anymore but, from a football point of view do you think he'll be able to step up to the incoming bombardment of longballs he's going to face this season?

Brilliant player when he has real strength next to him, be fascinating to see if he can adjust his game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhsWrkP7h88

 

[scooter1]

Old school defending is not his strength.
If the refs and VAR are going to allow the game to be a little more physical, then he will be targeted and could struggle

 

[midnight_rendezvous]

Hard to disagree with their analysis tbf. White looked so good for us because of our formation and the fact that Dunk and Webster were good in the air and the introduction of Sanchez who isn’t afraid to come and claim the ball. Different kettle of fish now he hasn’t got that quality around him in defence at Arsenal.

 

[studio150]

I fear it will get worse next game as probably up against Lukaku as mentioned in the video, that could be a horror show for White.
An obvious solution, Arsenal switch to a back 3, but I don't see that happening, so White will I am sure adapt as the season progresses and become better in dealing with the situations mentioned.

 

[Swansman]

Needs to build a bit of muscle but he will be fine in the long run.

Thought his two best games (Man City & Leeds) last season were in midfield, wouldnt shock me if he ends up there in the end, if he struggles as a defender.

 

[Kosh]

Yep, wrong system, wrong player, wrong club.

To be fair any CB in the country, with the possible exception of VVD, will be shitting it prior to playing against Lukaku! Ultimately unless Arsenal revert to a system that works for BW we’re looking at a fish out of water, or a duck out of water (waddling about) at best.

It’s early days, but that price tag carries so much pressure… I wish him well.

 

[Simster]

Hard to disagree with their analysis tbf. White looked so good for us because of our formation and the fact that Dunk and Webster were good in the air and the introduction of Sanchez who isn’t afraid to come and claim the ball. Different kettle of fish now he hasn’t got that quality around him in defence at Arsenal.

It is astonishing that Arsenal have jizzed £50m on a defender that doesn't solve their biggest issues. They need a modern day Steve Bould or Tony Adams. If they got one, they'd get the best out of White and would probably look a completely different side. Maybe they will still get that player, but for now White looks a clueless signing.

 

[mejonaNO12 aka riskit]

When they signed him I just assumed he would be in a 3 at the back.

IF they are genuinely planning on playing him in a back 4 then the transfer was utter madness.

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

I don't see Arteta lasting that long. The Ben faces an uphill battle for his place. Good luck to the fella, except when he plays us

 

[Is it PotG?]

We've got a wheelbarrow full of cash.

I care not a jot.

 

[Stat Brother]

Yep, wrong system, wrong player, wrong club.

To be fair any CB in the country, with the possible exception of VVD, will be shitting it prior to playing against Lukaku! Ultimately unless Arsenal revert to a system that works for BW we’re looking at a fish out of water, or a duck out of water (waddling about) at best.

It’s early days, but that price tag carries so much pressure… I wish him well.

Lukaku running at you, Burnt Leno behind and Rob Holding next to you - not good.

Although the same could be said if you swapped out Lukaku for Big Jurg.

 

[Change at Barnham]

It is astonishing that Arsenal have jizzed £50m on a defender that doesn't solve their biggest issues. They need a modern day Steve Bould or Tony Adams. If they got one, they'd get the best out of White and would probably look a completely different side. Maybe they will still get that player, but for now White looks a clueless signing.

Arsenal have already got that player in Gabriel Magalhaes.
He's out injured at the moment after picking up a knee injury when winning the Olympic Gold medal with Brazil.
He's expected to be out for about a month which is rather unhelpful to Arsenal.

White and Gabriel will make a great partnership.

 

[Oscar]

I must admit that I was surprised to see him play as a normal CB. It's not his position and he was hopelessly exposed by being put in that position. Still, £50m eh!?

 

[A1X]

Arsenal need someone like Dunk or Webster to be a more commanding presence, White was the wrong option. Put White next to a Maguire or a Van Dijk and he’d excel.

 

[albionfan37]

Wrong move going to arsenal if they still had an adams type it would be different but at his age and experience level to be the main man it was always going to be tricky. Next to maguire those two would be a very strong pairing

 

[amexer]

Wish him all the best but as said Arsenal should have spent that money on Dunk 4 years ago. As sky boys said all top CBs are now good at going forward and priority for a £50m CB is to be able to defend and not get pushed about. If White is expected to defend 50% of high balls at Arsenal he could be in for a lot of stick

 

[albionfan37]

Arsenal need someone like Dunk or Webster to be a more commanding presence, White was the wrong option. Put White next to a Maguire or a Van Dijk and he’d excel.

I wish I’d read your post first I could’ve just liked it instead of writing more or less the same thing lol

 

[RandyWanger]

His agent came across like a prick, doesn't seem like he advised his client well in this move. Most feel he will struggle and it looks he just went for the money.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Arsenal have a long history of tall, strong, dominant CBs who I imagine hang around the club as "legends" in one capacity of another. I'm sure they will get time with Ben and share the dark arts he requires. He's short for a modern CB, but not that short. He doesn't appear very robust - so maybe a combo of some coaching and adding a bit of muscle will be the answer. But if I'd just spent £50m, I'd have wanted all that in place from the off, if that's what was missing from the squad.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Wish him all the best but as said Arsenal should have spent that money on Dunk 4 years ago. As sky boys said all top CBs are now good at going forward and priority for a £50m CB is to be able to defend and not get pushed about. If White is expected to defend 50% of high balls at Arsenal he could be in for a lot of stick

We play them in a few weeks. Our tactics will be very telling. We know his weaknesses better thn any (including Leeds, his weaknesses only evolved after he came out from under Bielsa's wing) - we're sure to target them if we can.