Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could sign the club’s new Rio Ferdinand in Arsenal transfer target Ben White.
What’s the story?
Duncan Castles recently claimed that the Whites are still one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the England international this summer, with Arsenal and Leicester also said to be keen on him.
In response to Leeds’ interest in the centre-back, former Hull striker Dean Windass told Football Transfer Tavern: “I could see that happening but it all depends on money so if they’re happy with the contracts and everything else then yeah, I could see that happening.”
Leeds’ new Ferdinand
While it may be years since Ferdinand was at Elland Road, there’s no questioning that the former Manchester United star remains one of Leeds’ best central defenders of this generation – his big-money move to Old Trafford and his subsequent titles are a testament to that.
Ferdinand was the archetypal modern day centre-back – quick, strong and superb on the ball. Essentially, that’s everything White brings to the table.
Brighton’s academy coach John Morling said: “He’s so calm, nothing fazes Ben. Any hurdles, he just jumps over. He just looks like he’s been there for years. He’s a winner. You’d want him in your team.”
Having also been dubbed as a “special talent” and “a warrior“, White’s performances for Brighton last season even saw him named by Gareth Southgate into the England squad for Euro 2020.
The £51,000-a-week ace averaged an impressive 1.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the Premier League, as well as boasting an 83.2% pass accuracy – perhaps the most eye-opening statistic is his average of 0.7 dribbles per game despite predominantly playing either at centre-back or on the right.
White looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, and Leeds fans have already seen from his loan spell at Elland Road the kind of confidence with which he plays, never seemingly ruffled by opposition attackers and more than willing to step out and drive into midfield before playing a pass through.
As a young, English central defender, White is akin to what Ferdinand was when he was at Leeds.
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