Mikel Arteta opened Ben White’s eyes to something he never saw before Arsenal transfer – it immediately improved him

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Arsenal will not be too disappointed to see the March international break come round once again.

Having been plagued by injuries since the last international break in November, Mikel Arteta will hope that this time can be used to get some players back to full fitness in preparation for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Some Arsenal players are involved in games around the world with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes representing Brazil and David Raya set to play for Spain in the UEFA Nations League.

However, other Arsenal squad members have not been picked for international duty, including the likes of Jorginho but also players returning to full fitness such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta told he has ‘one of the best’ players in the nation at Arsenal and he isn’t using him

What Mikel Arteta told Ben White after Arsenal transfer

Another Arsenal star staying at London Colney during the break is defender Ben White having only just recovered from knee surgery that kept him out since November 2024.

White has become an integral part of Arsenal’s side since his £50m transfer from Brighton in 2021 but upon his arrival, the England international was given some harsh words by his new manager.

As seen on Amazon Prime Video’s ‘All or Nothing: Arsenal’ documentary series, on season 1 episode 1, Arteta tries to mould White into the style that he wanted in his Gunners side.

During a training session, Arteta stated to White: “You have a level of aggression in some actions that you do attacking and defending that before I didn’t see and you have to get out of that system to become the leader at the back.”

Since, White has made 150 appearances for his North London side and has been sorely missed this campaign with his penetrating runs forward and tenacious defending.

Arteta has great admiration for White

Despite seemingly being tough on White initially in his Arsenal career, Arteta has proven over the seasons that he is a great admirer of the England defender.

During the ‘All or Nothing: Arsenal’ documentary Arteta stated: “He trains like he is playing in a Champions League final almost every day, that’s why he has come a long way in such a short space of time.”

Thomas Tuchel wants White back in the England squad and Arsenal fans will be hoping that after the international break the 27-year-old can help the Gunners have a strong finish to the campaign.

White previously admitted his Vinicius JR nightmare and could be set to face the Brazilian winger in the European tie however, Arteta will have full confidence his player can handle what is thrown at him.