Ben White claims Mikel Arteta has made one thing ‘easy’ whilst learning new Arsenal role

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Arsenal star Ben White has been outstanding in several positions since his arrival in 2021, and in recent weeks has adapted his game even further.

White started out as a centre-back following his move from Brighton, then eventually moved to right-back as William Saliba arrived in the middle.

In recent weeks, a lack of options at full-back has meant that Jakub Kiwior has filled in at left-back, but after struggling to play an inverted role like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Arteta flipped the dynamics of his side which has meant White is now performing this role on the right-hand side.

This has seen White tuck into a midfield role when in possession, before returning wide off the ball, and he has taken to it well with some brilliant performances in recent weeks.

White has now explained the difficulty of the role, but has also praised Arteta for making his adaptation to it easier.

Ben White explains new inverted role under Arteta

Speaking via The Standard, White claimed that his new role comes with more difficulty than playing at centre-back or right-back has in the past.

“I think when you have Mikel as your manager, it is quite easy and he makes it simple for you,” he stated.

“There were just a lot of instructions of where I need to be, when I need to be there.

“I think most of the players could play in that position, because the key if you want to play for Arsenal is that you have got to be so technically-gifted, strong and fast. I think most of the players could do it.

“I am comfortable playing in there, but there are completely different things to look at. Like for me, playing centre-back and right-back, I only have to look forward – I never worry about what is behind me. This is a completely different part of the game.”

Ben White offers Mikel Arteta more tactical flexibility

With Zinchenko also absent at the start of the season, Arteta moved White back to centre-back, with Thomas Partey inverting from right-back.

Partey’s injuries have put a stop to this potential tactical setup, but White’s quick learning has meant that Arteta can now pursue with this shape if he wishes to.

This has allowed Kiwior to play a role more suited to him, and the Polish defender’s performances have dramatically improved as a result.

White’s extra versatility, coupled with his intelligence to learn different roles, and his excellent physicality, makes him an extraordinary option for Arteta, and allows him to change his side’s tactical shape with ease knowing that he has a player comfortable in any role.