Arsenal defender Ben White has now admitted that he is very hesitant to go near one of his teammates in training.
Ben White has been a revelation for Mikel Arteta this season, and even though he was also crucial last campaign, it feels as if he’s stepped up in importance.
Not only is the 26-year-old now a leadership figure in the group, but he’s also now the most versatile player at the club.
Originally trained as a centre-back, White has recently proved that he can also thrive as an inverted full-back as well as one who overlaps his winger.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recent injury led the Arsenal boss to look at different solutions within his squad, and Ben White then revealed a whole new side to his game.
The defender allowed Jakub Kiwior a simpler task on the left coming into the side, and a real balance was found at the back.
Of course, it does still feel as if Arsenal could benefit from signing a left-back of White’s calibre in the future, if that is even possible in today’s market.
All that being said, Ben White has now been providing some insight into the club’s training sessions in an interview with Arsenal.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Ben White from his wife to tattoos
Ben White admits he doesn’t want to go near Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal training
Whilst speaking about his versatility and roles this season, White was asked about how the club get the balance right in training when chasing such big honours this season.
The defender used his relationship with Gabriel Martinelli as a good example, saying they keep things competitive, even if he often doesn’t want to go near the £6m-winger.
He explained: “I think we have an understanding.
“I play against Gabriel Martinelli every day in training for example, and to be honest I don’t want to go too near to him most of the time, but at the same time we have to keep it competitive.
“But you know there is a line, and it’s the same for everyone.
“We all come up against the same people each day, and there’s like an unwritten rule that you don’t go in too hard for a 50-50 or something like that. You can save those for the weekend!
“Every day me and Martinelli have a one v one battle, but then as soon as the session is over our relationship is so good.
“You do your best and give everything when you are training, but you need to look after each other too, you have to be clever.”
Does Ben White need a rest against Aston Villa this weekend?
Of course, given the pain barrier Ben White has been playing through this season, and the amount of minutes he’s accumulated, is this weekend a good chance for a rest?
No one at the club will be taking Unai Emery’s side lightly by any means, but similarly Arsenal can’t afford to burn the defender out ahead of the run in.
Perhaps Takehiro Tomiyasu could be primed for a start at the Emirates, a player who should now be in very good condition for 90 minutes.
It’s certainly a tough call for Mikel Arteta, and his team selection will once again be very intriguing on the weekend.
All that being said, Arsenal fans have all been saying the same thing about Gabriel Jesus since Tuesday’s draw.
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