With the signing of Adam Webster in the summer, there were bound to be defensive players deemed surplus to requirements this season at Brighton, Ben White being one of them.

Ben White signed for Leeds United on a season-long loan in the summer and has been incredible for Marcelo Bielsa’s team. White has been an ever-present so far for Leeds, putting in consistently solid performances to help his side push towards automatic promotion after failing last year.

Leeds signed White as the replacement to Pontus Jansson who left in the same window to join Championship rivals Brentford. Many at the time saw this transfer as a downgrade from the Swedish international, who was one of the top centre-backs in the league under Bielsa, however, White has put that debate to bed by proving he should also be held in the same regard, if not higher.

His qualities as a centre-back a very rounded for a 22-year-old, as he has demonstrated an understanding of the game for Leeds that is much more akin to an older head. He has shown superior defensive abilities from strong tackles to aerial presence, but also the confidence to try to play out from the back and with great efficiency too.

White’s Leeds career started off to a flyer where his August performances were recognised enough to see him earned the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award with 44% of the vote. Nothing has changed since he received that accolade and he has shown more and more the consistency needed to make it at the very top-level in football. White’s progress this season has been nothing short of remarkable and it was confirmed how well he has been playing when reports emerged that Liverpool are keen on his signature at the price of £20million, via Football Insider.

Seagulls’ manager Graham Potter has since stated he is happy with White staying at Leeds, continuing his development under Marcelo Bielsa for the full season.

White will be looking to build on his strong performances for the Whites which has seen his current side boast the meanest defence in the Championship.