William Gallas has suggested that Ben White may consider leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, as the defender faces increased competition for his position from Jurrien Timber.
Timber has impressed since returning to full fitness and has delivered strong performances at right-back, making it easier for Mikel Arteta to select him consistently. His assured displays have added balance to the Arsenal backline, with the Dutchman becoming a reliable option on the right side of defence.
White had previously established himself as the club’s preferred right-back but suffered an injury that ruled him out for several months. During his absence, Timber was given the opportunity to feature regularly and made a strong case to retain his place. Although Timber was initially deployed on the opposite flank, the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has led to a reshuffle, resulting in Timber occupying the right-back role more frequently.
Now fully fit, White has found it difficult to reclaim his place in the starting eleven. He has been on the bench in recent matches, with game time limited due to the form of his positional rival. With Arsenal fighting on multiple fronts, depth in defence is crucial, but the competition for places has become more intense.
According to Goal, Gallas addressed the situation, stating: “Jurrien Timber has set the standard so high at right-back, it will be very difficult for Ben White to get his position back in the starting XI. White will get minutes, but right-back isn’t his main position, he was never a real right-back. He got a few goal contributions, but he needed to do more, like how Timber is performing.
“Ben White has two options, he can stay and fight for his position and show he’s the best right-back at the club, or he can ask to leave. We’ll see.”
Strong competition within a squad can be beneficial, encouraging players to raise their performance levels. While White may receive more opportunities in the future, patience and consistency will be required if he is to reclaim a regular starting role.
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Am not sure Gallass is right on this one, Ben White was hand pick by the gaffer, the two have a remarkable understanding.
Don’t forget, Ben White was doing well at center back, but was only push wide to accommodate Saliba, speaks volumes of his versatility and how capable he is as a deputy to the Frenchman.
He also had a wonderful understanding with Odegaard and Saka prior to all the injuries- including his own.
Very much so, as Southgate had came to find out
You’e buttressing his point. RB isnt his main position anymore, so either he becomes a rotational player for either saliba, gabriel, or timber. But right now Timber has sealed that position. He was also hand picked by tue gaffer.
Akin
The two players are different, they both bring something different.
One is a better passer and will Carrie’s the ball more.
One specializes right back and left back.
One is actually a better tackler.
Think the gaffer likes this kind of versatility and Ben White was bought in due to his versatility.
All needs to happen is for them to be managed properly and not over play.
Ben White will be okay is not a player to sulk, wish Matlan Niles took a page from his book
You are so right. White was not bought as a RB, he was bought to play CB but was diverted to RB, through injuries. Arteta bought Timber to replace White. BUT both are versatile. White can deputies as a RB and a CB.
Ben White is 27 years old, at the peak of his career. He is not getting any younger. He needs to be playing regularly, preferably in a centre back role.
Unfortunately I don’t see him getting regular game time in the near future. If I were his agent, I would advise him to look for a starting centre back position elsewhere. Not being ruthless, just being real.
There’s something about Gallas, whenever he’s commenting about Arsenal, it’s always something controversial or outright ridiculous!!
He’s probably the worst Captain Arsenal has ever had; no hard feelings!
Gallas must be reminded that he is not actually a real Gunner, I think he must go to the Chelsea fan base and make his controversial empty remarks there, because no one remembers him as Arsenal captain, instead a reject from Chelesea, like all other flops.