Ben White made his Arsenal debut in Friday's 2-0 defeat at Brentford
In August 2017, a young and determined Ben White arrived at Newport County with just two professional appearances under his belt. Little did anyone know that this talented defender would soon make waves in the football world. Mark O'Brien, the former Newport defender, recalls the initial excitement surrounding White's arrival. "We had high expectations for him, but you don't know how someone's going to react to League Two when they're only a youngster," says O'Brien. However, White quickly proved himself, showcasing his defensive prowess and impressive skills on the ball. It was evident that he was destined for greatness.
A Rising Star in Newport
White's debut for Newport County against Southend United in the EFL Cup was a testament to his abilities. Despite facing a tough strike partnership, he remained composed and helped secure a 2-0 victory for his team. From that moment onwards, White became a regular starter for Michael Flynn's side. O'Brien reflects on his time playing alongside White, praising his reliability and adaptability. "You could trust him," says O'Brien. "He grew and grew with each game, proving himself to be a complete player. Ben was not only a great teammate but also a good friend."
During his loan spell at Newport, White made 51 appearances in all competitions, impressing with his performances and winning several Player of the Year awards. His down-to-earth nature and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on those around him. O'Brien highlights White's humility and willingness to learn, stating, "He didn't have any kind of ego about coming down from a Premier League club. It was just about putting it all together."
Ben White played against future loan club Leeds when he was at Newport
Making Waves at Leeds United
White's success at Newport garnered attention from clubs higher up the football pyramid. In January 2019, he joined Peterborough United on loan, impressing Barry Fry, the club's director of football. Fry speaks highly of White's footballing abilities, particularly his outstanding passing range and composure on the ball. "The beauty of Ben was his consistency. He was nine out of 10 nearly every game. You could rely on him," says Fry. But it wasn't just his skills on the pitch that caught Fry's attention. White's leadership qualities and dedication to the community stood out. Fry saw him as a future captain, someone who sets the highest standards both on and off the field.
Despite Fry's eagerness to bring White back to Peterborough, the young defender's journey took an unexpected turn. Leeds United swooped in and secured his services. Upon arriving at Leeds' training ground, White faced a challenge set by manager Marcelo Bielsa. He was placed in the Under-23s dressing room, testing his mental strength and determination. Former left-back Barry Douglas admired White's humility and the way he embraced the challenge without complaint. White's maturity shone through as he seamlessly transitioned into the first-team dressing room. He quickly established himself as a key player and didn't miss a single minute of action as Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League.
White impressed last season for Brighton in his first Premier League campaign
The Brighton Breakthrough and International Recognition
Following his successful loan spell at Leeds, White returned to his parent club, Brighton. He enjoyed a remarkable first season in the Premier League, catching the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. White earned his first England cap against Austria and was even included in the squad for Euro 2020 after Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury. Although he didn't feature prominently in England's run to the final, White's positive attitude and professionalism were commended by Southgate.
Now, White has taken the next step in his impressive journey, joining Arsenal after the Euros. His loans at Newport and Leeds have shaped him into a highly sought-after defender, and Arsenal recognized his potential. As a player with immense talent and a humble personality, White has gained the respect and admiration of his peers. Irishman Mark O'Brien, who played alongside him at Newport, expresses his pride in White's achievements and envisions him as a future England captain. "Ben lets his football do the talking. I think he's only going to get better and better," says O'Brien.
In conclusion, Ben White's rise to becoming a £50m Arsenal defender and a potential future England captain is a testament to his unwavering dedication, remarkable skills, and humble nature. From his early days at Newport County to his impressive performances at Leeds United and Brighton, White has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with. As he embarks on this new chapter at Arsenal, football fans can expect great things from this rising star.
