Leeds new-boy Ben White offers thoughts forcing his way into the first team

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Pontus Jansson has left Leeds United for Brentford this summer, creating a gap at the heart of Marcelo Bielsa’s defence.

While the Whites were struggling to hold back Manchester United in a 4-0 defeat on Wednesday, a new arrival who has sneaked under the radar somewhat was continuing his pre-season preparations back in England.

Ben White came in from Brighton this summer, with Victor Orta telling the Yorkshire Evening Post that the club had been watching the defender for two years.

And speaking about his pre-season performances and replacing Jansson, White said: “It’s been very different for me – longer days and sleeping between sessions. It’s been really good and I’m happy with how it’s going.”

“I’m quite comfortable on the ball so when I see space I like to drive into it. It’s what I do. I’m cool and calm, I like to play out from the back and I want to try and play as many games as I can.”

White, 21, may lack the international experience that 28-year-old Jansson has but his style of play seems far more suited to what Bielsa is trying to do.

Although White didn’t mention Jansson by name, replacing him is the aim for him in his debut Elland Road season, because Leeds do look light on numbers at the back.

Jansson’s passion endeared him to the Leeds fans but also cost his side at times, so perhaps White’s calmer head can steer Bielsa’s men more smoothly towards promotion this time around.