‘Will take the next step in his stride’: 22-year-old reported Liverpool target tipped for stardom

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Reported Liverpool target Ben White has made The Guardian‘s list of 10 players who have shot to prominence in the EFL this season.

Sky Sports and Metro claimed in April that Anfield scout Andy O’Brien had attended almost every Leeds United game this season to keep tabs on the Brighton loanee.

The 22-year-old joined the Whites on loan last summer, and at the time it appeared somewhat of a gamble as he hadn’t made a single appearance in English football’s top two divisions.

However, White took to life in the Championship flawlessly, playing every minute of every league game for Leeds this term, as well as featuring in the FA Cup against Arsenal and in the Whites’ two League Cup clashes.

“The ice-cool centre-back has barely put a foot wrong this season, playing every minute of every Championship game to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side to top spot,” wrote The Guardian.

“The Brighton loanee excelled in League Two and One at Newport and Peterborough respectively and, after replacing Pontus Jansson at Leeds, he has again relished the jump in standard.

“White, who was released by Southampton at 16, has been a big hit – last month a five-year-old Leeds fan offered Brighton £15.07 for the defender – and his progress has interested Premier League sides.

“White is a slick operator, composed but mean in the tackle and everything suggests he will take the next step in his stride, too.”

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White has been truly sensational for Leeds, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side top the Championship table by the time English football was suspended in wake of the global health crisis.

It was a gamble that paid off for the Whites, while it could backfire for Brighton, their player having been put in the shop window and now being linked with the likes of Liverpool, who shouldn’t pass up on such a talented up-and-coming defender.

With Sky Sports pundits Keith Andrews and Andy Hinchcliffe recently comparing White to Rio Ferdinand, John Stones, John Terry and Gary Cahill, the 22-year-old should certainly pique Jurgen Klopp’s interest, if he hasn’t already.