Michael Owen has hailed the efforts of Ben White as he continues to perfectly complement Bukayo Saka down Arsenal's right-hand side.
The defender, signed from Brighton as a centre-half, has been pushed out to right-back this term to accommodate William Saliba. Despite not being used to the role, White has thrived and formed an impressive partnership with right-winger Saka, who has been the talisman for the team this season.
White played his part as Saka scored a brace in Arsenal's convincing victory over Crystal Palace to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Owen has singled out the English defender for particular praise, claiming his contributions have gone under the radar.
The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker told Premier League Productions of the understanding between White and Saka: "That partnership was particularly impressive. That combination play is very important for Arsenal.
Ben White gets forward, he links the play and has the pace to get back when he needs to. There was a lovely moment towards the end of the game where he made a tackle and was celebrating. I feel he’s a bit of an underrated player for Arsenal at the moment."
Saka has been equally as complimentary about his team-mate. The duo, alongside captain Martin Odegaard, have continued to form an impressive trio which is manifesting itself on the pitch, with Sunday a clear example.
The Arsenal star said: "Ben White was incredible today, he’s been incredible this season, and we’re building a great partnership – me, him and Martin on that right side. Of course, I’m not going to tell you the secrets, what we work on in the training ground, but I’m enjoying playing with them."
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White's efforts have not been good enough to keep him in the England squad, however, with Gareth Southgate going with other options in his latest squad. The Arsenal star left the World Cup last winer early for personal reasons and has been overlooked with his lack of minutes at centre-half potentially a factor, such is the Three Lions' depth of quality at right back.
Southgate said of White's omission: "We like him. We’re interested to see whether at some point he ends up back at centre-back as well, because he’s got some really good attributes within that. We think [Kyle] Walker and [Kieran] Trippier have been consistent for us and playing well with their clubs. Trippier has been one of the outstanding players in the league and has played a big part in Newcastle's season.
"And Reece James is also a high-level player, so it’s a position we’re blessed with and Ben also has a very good claim, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back close to the team at Manchester United, so we have got a lot of depth in that particular position. So, at the moment, as I said, other guys are playing well at big clubs that are still in the Champions League as well or high in the league, so it is a hard call."
