Benjamin William White (born 8 October 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a Defender for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. Mainly a centre-back, he can also operate as a right-back.
White began his senior club career at age 18 in 2016 with Brighton & Hove Albion. He spent time with Newport County, Peterborough United, and Leeds United on successive loans between 2016 and 2019. He subsequently played in the four professional English leagues, and won the Championship with Leeds. After a season with Brighton, White was the subject of a club record association football transfer when he signed for Arsenal in 2021 in a transfer worth up to £50 million, becoming their most expensive defender.
White made his senior international debut for England in 2021 at the age of 23, and was selected as part of the 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.
White is known as a ball playing centre-back with good technical ability and was also praised by former manager Michael Flynn for his tough tackling style, White can also play as a defensive midfielder or as a right-back. White describes his own style as a "cool" and "calm" player. White is also known for his surging forward runs with the ball helping create quick counterattacks from deep. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described White as "brave", "really talented" and a "fighter", adding: "He trains like he's playing the Champions League final. That's why he's come a long way in such a short time in his career." |
