‘Biggest issue he’s got’: Pundit explains problem that £50m Arsenal player has right now

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Rio Ferdinand claims that the biggest problem facing Arsenal player Ben White right now is that he’s not got the right partner in defence alongside him.

White, who cost the Gunners £50million in the summer, is a highly rated defender that joined from Brighton during the current window.

The 23-year-old England international is a modern centre-back who’s really comfortable in possession.

He’s been added to Mikel Arteta’s squad to try stiffen up a vulnerable backline. However, his side didn’t have the best start to the new seaso.

The north London club were beaten 2-0 by Brentford last Friday in their opening Premier League opener, so question marks over whether or not White suits Arsenal’s back four are now lingering. 

Pundit Ferdinand suggests that right now he doesn’t have his right partner. It’s worth noting it’s the very early stages of his career with Arsenal, though.

“I feel that at this stage of his career, Ben White needs a partner to bring him a long, like a Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane or Thiago Silva,” Ferdinand said.

“Arsenal have needed a centre-back to come in and defend. Ben White will end up being a decent signing but the biggest issue he’s got is if I was being courted by Arsenal now I’m thinking, ‘who am I playing with?’

“If I’m him I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I’m going to need some help because I’m going to be overexposed’.”

Who will be the partner for Ben White this season?

If Arsenal don’t sign a centre-back before the window shuts at the end of this month, there are a few prime candidates to start in the heart of defence alongside White moving forward.

First of all, Pablo Mari. The Spaniard played next to White in the defeat against Brentford, so people are already uncertain of them as a possible partnership.

Secondly, Rob Holding could be an interesting option. The Englishman is very much an old school defender. Therefore, perhaps there could be a decent balance of strength and guile between them.

Finally, Gabriel Magalhaes is another Gunners player that looks most likely to be considered by the manager to be White’s partner. These two on paper look compatible and they are both new faces to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in the last year.

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