
Ben White is arguably one of the best full-backs in the Premier League at the moment. It is Mikel Arteta’s influence that has propelled him to reach new heights but the defender recently also credited Leeds legend Marcelo Bielsa for his career growth.
A product of the Southampton academy, White transferred to Brighton during his transition years. The English defender didn’t start much at the Falmer Stadium hence multiple loan spells followed after a promotion to the first team.
White landed at Elland Road after a season each at Newport County and Peterborough United. The 27-year-old was a part of the Championship winning campaign at Leeds United.
He started all the games and didn’t miss a single minute that season. The Whites also tried to sign him permanently after his loan spell at Elland Road.
However, the three attempts were blocked by Brighton as The Seagulls were keen on keeping the defender. A season later, the East Sussex-based outfit sold White to Arsenal for Ā£50 million.
There is no doubt that the Emirates is where the defender actually took off but the Championship winning campaign at Elland Road remains one of the biggest achievements of this career.
Starting every game and playing every minute as a loanee is an achievement in itself as these players usually take the back seat, playing second string to established players.
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What Marcelo Bielsa advised Ben White in his first training session at Thorp Arch?

Marcelo Bielsa’s management style isn’t suited for everyone
Uruguayan icon Luis SuĆ”rez recently took a dig at the Argentine manager for his management at the Copa AmĆ©rica. Not everyone likes Bielsa’s ways but it doesn’t undermine his credibility at the top of world football.
Ben White is one of the many examples of how the Argentine has impacted players more positively. While talking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, White revealed how just one criticism from the gaffer forced him to make changes to his game.
He said to me, āthat I was too slow, I wasnāt agile enough and somehow I wasnāt mentally quick enoughā and then just walked off. He didnāt speak to me again then for probably months.
I can probably count how many times he spoke to me. But when he would say something to you, you would just do it.
-Ben White via Amazon Prime Video Sport
The Englishman explained how Bielsa’s rare criticisms would get to you. The Argentine talks very little hence any word from him makes them more so important.
