Angus Kinnear nailed pre-season comments on Leeds defender Ben White

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Leeds United’s chief executive Angus Kinnear was confident about the signing of Brighton defender Ben White at the beginning of the season, something which has proven to be totally justified.

The Yorkshire club signed the centre-back on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Brighton and he arrived to try fill the void left by Pontus Jansson.

Kinnear admitted his extreme optimism about White before a ball had been kicked at the beginning of this Championship season.

“I think a real hidden gem in Ben White at centre-half,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post on 1 August 2019.

The 22-year-old has more than lived up to the hype of a “hidden gem” and some have even suggested he should be promoted to the senior England squad following his impressive displays this season.

He’s been a nailed on starter in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI next to captain Liam Cooper at centre-back and they have played a big role in helping the team sit top of the Championship with nine league games remaining.

White was an unknown talent before he moved to Elland Road on loan, but has been one of the standout performers in the Championship and looks destined for the top in the future.

He’s a ball-playing centre-back that is so strong in possession and he demands his penalty area defensively too in the air.

The Chronicle has previously reported that Brighton value their loanee at around £20million, with interest from top-flight clubs Liverpool and Newcastle United in him.

Leeds may have to fork out an eight-figure sum if they want to try get him next season, but he would be totally worth it and is a real fan favourite now.