Ben White delivers verdict on Leeds fans after loan deal is confirmed

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New Leeds United signing Ben White was a part of the Newport County side that were demolished 5-1 by Leeds in August 2017, and he has told the club’s website that the atmosphere was a main factor in joining the club.

The classy 21-year-old has agreed a season-long loan deal with Marcelo Bielsa’s side, with the centre-back expected to provide cover for captain Liam Cooper and fan favourite Pontus Jansson.

Still only 19 years of age, White played the entire 90 minutes as Kemar Roofe scored a sensational hat-trick for the Whites in what was one of Thomas Christiansen’s first matches in charge.

But White remembers the atmosphere that the Elland Road crowd generated, despite the match being a Carabao Cup match on a Tuesday night. He stated that it was a big factor in his decision to join Leeds.

“That’s probably the best game I have played in, to be fair [in regards to the atmosphere],” White said. “The atmosphere was crazy, even though it was a cup game. It was amazing.”

TBR’s view – White is perfect for Leeds

Leeds lacked cover at centre-back last season, with Cooper and Jansson the only recognised first-team centre-backs. The likes of Luke Ayling, Gaetano Berardi and Kalvin Phillips had to fill in.

It is a sign that Marcelo Bielsa has realised the club needs cover to compete in the Championship, and an exciting, young centre-back in White fits the description. Known for his ball-playing attributes, he could be crucial.