Ben White has been one of Arsenal's standout performers this season after being moved to right-back by Mikel Arteta. The English defender played the majority of last term at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes but has enjoyed some strong performances in a new role in the 2022/23 campaign.
White was moved to right-back by Arteta following the return of William Saliba from a successful loan spell with Marseille. The Frenchman has been one of the best centre-backs in Europe this term and his recent injury has come as a huge blow for the Gunners.
Arsenal head into the final nine games of the season eight points clear of reigning champions Manchester City as they continue to chase down a first Premier League title since 2004. White's performances this season have been crucial in helping stabilise the north Londoners' defence and allowing Arteta to implement new tactics that have seen the Gunners become title favourites.
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Many Arsenal fans feel that White should be starting for England under Gareth Southgate, especially given Trent Alexander-Arnold's troubles defensively for Liverpool. The 24-year-old has been slammed for his poor performances under Jurgen Klopp this term and was dropped from the Reds' 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Tuesday night - with a decision set to be made as to whether he returns to the starting XI against Arsenal this weekend.
White has performed much better than Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Premier League this term with the Reds defender coming under heavy criticism for his defensive displays. Barnes told BonusCodeBets: "Ben White has given Arsenal some defensive strength.
"Arsenal has been a bit thrills at the back previously. But he is a very good defender and he gives a lot to the balance of the team.
"He makes Arsenal feel comfortable when the opponents put in crosses because he normally is a centre half. No, he is not a Trent Alexander-Arnold who runs up and down the line all the time.
"But he gives them something different which allows the attacking players to focus more on the attacking parts of the game."
Despite Barnes' claim, White has actually registered more goal contributions in the Premier League - scoring two goals and providing three assists - than Alexander-Arnold, who has just one goal and two assists in 27 appearances.
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