Arsenal’s centre-back Ben White opened up recently about his transformative loan spell with Leeds United at Elland Road when he was still with Brighton and Hove Albion. Back in the 2019-20 season, Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship side snapped him up on loan to bolster their promotion bid.
And, wow did White deliver! He was a key player in helping Leeds secure that all-important Premier League spot and bagged the club’s Young Player of the Season award for his efforts.
But, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the €55m-rated White. He’s shared some of the struggles he faced adapting to Bielsa’s mad methods and the demanding environment at Leeds. The tough training regimen, double sessions, and intense drills pushed him to his limits but ultimately shaped him into the top-notch player he is today.
White’s loan to Leeds was a massive turning point in his career. Reflecting on his experience, he talked up his time in the Midlands and also spoke about his interactions with Marcelo Bielsa. Here’s what he told Ben Foster in an interview with Amazon Prime Video on YouTube.
“That’s where everyone started to know my name or got more interested. The amount of work was unreal… four hours every day, double sessions, sleep at the training ground. If you weren’t on it, you’d be on the bike until it was off.”
“He said to me I was too slow, not agile enough, not mentally quick enough, and walked off. Didn’t speak to me again for months.”
Tough Love!
One of the toughest aspects for White was Bielsa’s no-nonsense approach. Bielsa was known for his high standards and demanding nature, and White felt this acutely. Despite the harsh feedback, White’s determination to improve and meet Bielsa’s expectations never wavered.
Under Bielsa’s guidance, White flourished. His performances at the heart of Leeds’ defence were instrumental in their successful promotion campaign. He was a stalwart in a side that played some of the most attractive football in the Championship, blending defensive solidity with an ability to play out from the back. White’s composure on the ball, reading of the game, and versatility made him a standout performer, not just for Leeds but across the league.
Coming back to Brighton after that too, he was top-class for the Seagulls and won their Player Of The Season award as well. That was what Mikel Arteta saw in him and eventually, brought him to North London. Since his arrival at the Emirates, White has become an integral part of Arteta’s plans. His ability to play both as a centre-back and a right-back has been invaluable to Arsenal, providing flexibility and stability at the back.
It’s so obvious that White values his time at Leeds United very highly and Bielsa’s tutelage pushed him to new heights. As he continues to develop under Arteta, there’s no holding the talented defender back. He has already shown that he can rise to the occasion, adapt to new challenges, and excel at the highest level.
