Marcelo Bielsa reacts to Ben White’s development in Leeds midfield

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Marcelo Bielsa has suggested that Ben White stepping into Kalvin Phillips’s position in Leeds United’s midfield is a very good opportunity for the centre-back, and insisted that he is not far away from being as influential as he is at the heart of the defence, in comments reported by Leeds Live.

With Phillips missing the game against Huddersfield Town due to injury at the weekend, White stepped forward once again.

The Brighton loanee has frequently been deployed in that holding role whenever Phillips has been absent.

And after perhaps looking a little uncomfortable in that role previously, White has really appeared to have turned a corner. It is surely fair to say that his performance at the weekend was his best yet in that position.

And following the game, Bielsa – who also confirmed that Phillips’s injury is not expected to be serious – seemed to explain how close White is to being a natural in that position.

“If he plays 10 or 15 matches in this position he will have impact in the same way he does at centre-back,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live. “For one centre-back it is a very good opportunity to play as a possession midfielder, and it is necessary.

“For one possession midfielder it is necessary to play as a centre-back. These positions are close to each other and one player in each position can play in both during the play.”

TBR View – White hands Leeds big boost with development

Leeds would obviously rather have White at centre-back and Phillips just in front. Those players in those positions have been so crucial to the team’s success this season.

But it is a big boost that the defender is growing with confidence in that advanced role.

It could be argued that no single injury would have hurt Leeds more than if they lost Phillips for any sustained period.

That may still be the case. But White’s form suggests that the Championship leaders may now be in a better position to cope without their talisman if necessary.