Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has issued a bold claim regarding on-loan defender Ben White according to an interview with the Football Insider.
Whelan believes that White is “destined” for a “Premier League top-four club” after making a huge impact this season.
The 21-year-old is on a season-long loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion and has already attracted interest from Liverpool during this spell at Leeds so far.
Brighton have reiterated that they are not looking to sell White as they see him as a long-term asset and with real potential but it has not deterred top flight clubs from showing interest in him.
“I’m not surprised big clubs are looking at Ben White,” Whelan said. “From what I’ve seen we were very lucky to get him in. Credit to the scouts. We were looking at him for two years before he signed.”
“He is perfect for Premier League football. He ticks every single box for the modern centre-back. He’s destined for a top-four club, he’s that good.”
“He makes good decisions defensively, he is quick, very capable on the ball. He fits the Liverpool style perfectly as he can play from the back and bring the ball out.”
“He is not aerially dominant but I don’t think that matters as much these days, as it’s very rare you are up against a 6ft 4in centre-forward. The physical side of the game is still there, but it’s not as important as it once was.”
White has been an ever-present for Marco Bielsa’s side so far this season and has started all 11 games since his move. He also won the PFA Championship Player of the Month for August and has been instrumental in Leeds’ impressive start to the campaign.
