Because of Arsenal’s depth in defence this season, their most expensive centre-back, Ben White, has been playing as a right-back.
The Englishman has become the victim of the emergence of William Saliba, who is doing well in his first season at the Emirates.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is the club’s first choice right-back, but he was injured at the start of the campaign and White slotted into that position.
He helped the Gunners win their first five league games of the season, and he has been solid overall.
However, with Tomi now fit, there have been calls for the Japanese star to get back into the team.
Former Arsenal man, Kevin Campbell, has enjoyed watching White play and says the Englishman should remain on the team.
He told the Highbury Squad:
“I think Ben White’s done great at right-back. I wouldn’t change it at all, I would keep it as it is.
“Truthfully, I think Tomiyasu needed the minutes in midweek because he’s not played a lot of football, he’s been out for a long time.
“I think Ben White’s done fine at right-back, I really do.
“And us being top of the league tells us that he’s done fine, so I think we keep it as it is.
“If there’s problems moving forward then the manager has the opportunity to change it.
“But while you’re riding high, you stick with the players that have taken you there.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
White has done well this term and he probably deserves to keep his place on the team.
The Englishman is not a specialist like Tomi, but he understands the tactical demands for that position and should stay in the team for now.
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No doubt, lots of Arsenal fans will disagree with me but ,in my opinion, our strongest back four consists of Tomi, White,Saliba and Tierney.To me Gabriel is lacking in a number of areas and his weaknesses in judgement and positional sense, is creating unease in our defence.We need to keep clean sheets if we are to stay in the top four .
100% agreeg
@Grandad, I fully agree with you there mate. White is better than Gabriel and can play from the back better…Gabriel is full of costly mistakes and not so comfortable with the ball on his feet. I may be wrong but I really feel a pair of Saliba and White is the strongest we have.
Really I think Ben white should be moved to CDM as cover for Partey , he has the strength, skills for the position and would be more comfortable to move front compared to the RB position he presently occupies, where he’s weary of forward movements,
With White in Midfield, Zinchenko can switch easily compared to Sambi in CDM,
Just my opinion.
Funny you should say that as I’d been pondering Saliba moving to a CDM position. I think his all round reading of the game and knowing when to make an intervention is excellent and his passing isn’t bad either. Apparently he was once a no 10.
Hadn’t thought of White in that position but it’s certainly a possible too.
My reply to Grandad also seem to have disappeared , perhaps another “glitch” PAT?
So I now write it again:
Grandad is ar least consistent in not rating Gabriel much at all. Last season and this , Grandad has downrated him and preferred White and some have chose to agree with “wise old Grandad”. Well I am about Grandads age and firmly DISAGREE about GABRIEL.
I see him as stronger, tougher and better in the air than White, who I ALSO RATE. BUT I RATE GABRIEL EVEN MORE.
And he is a true threat when we get corners, unlike White. I would always pick GABRIEL ALONGSIDE Saliba as first choicde CB’s and White to play RB, until and unless Tomi makes a rapid return to both full fitness and best form.
We now have IMO, two top class RB’s to chose from. Plus Cedric of course who hopefully will be gone before too long.
We will have to agree to differ on this issue Jon.
I think rather than buying another defender or CDM. Arteta should try either of White or Saliba in that position… they are both good and quick ball carrying defenders who can slot in at CB when eg Gabriel is up for a corner