Why did Arsenal move for Brighton defender Ben White?

Why did Arsenal move for Brighton’s Ben White?

Leeds United's Argentinian head coach Marcelo Bielsa (R) watches Brighton's English defender Ben White during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 1, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Brighton’s English defender Ben White (R) tackles Manchester City’s English midfielder Phil Foden (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Not just a ball-playing centre-half

Ben White was much more than just laying forward passes last season. His presence in Brighton’s back-line ensured the team finished their season with a joint sixth-best defensive record, having conceded 46 goals.

During the tenure, Brighton managed an impressive 12 clean sheets, which was equivalent to Liverpool and Arsenal. His numbers, compared to Arsenal center-backs, were outstanding too.

In a total of 3,194 minutes, White put in 1.38 tackles per 90 minutes; a figure which is only bettered by David Luiz (1.51). His technical approach and rugged defensive nature, however, meant that he was more superior than every Arsenal centre-back in other aspects.

He averaged 1.75 interceptions per 90 minutes and his closest competitor was Gabriel, who averaged 1.17 interceptions per 90. Furthermore, he also completed 0.68 dribbles and created 0.23 chances per 90 minutes.

Amongst the Arsenal defender, only David Luiz came closest with 0.28 dribbles per 90. Note that over the last two years, he has not made a single error leading to an opposition shot.

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