Ben White fits the mould Graham Potter is looking for in a centre-back, with the defender’s development at Leeds United only underlining his suitability to be a hit at Brighton and Hove Albion.  

Leeds have nurtured White’s talent over the course of the season, with the 22-year-old impressing and helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side to the top of the Championship table.

Over his 37 Championship appearances, White mainly featured in the heart of defence alongside captain Liam Cooper, but he’s show his versatility.

On occasion, Leeds have played Bielsa’s complicated 3-3-1-3 system, which has seen White feature as the middle-man in a back-three, where he’s tasked with stepping out of defence with the ball; a role he’s thrived in.

Additionally, White has stepped into Kalvin Phillips’ midfield role on the occasions the 24-year-old has been suspended – there, he has struggled at times, but grown as a player.

Recently, Andy Naylor has been discussing how White fits the criteria for what Potter wants from his centre-backs in Brighton. 

He told Leeds Live: “Potter likes ball-playing, versatile central defenders. He often switches between a back three and flat back four.  

“Style-wise, White fits that mould.”

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The Verdict

Brighton have always retained that they have very high hopes for White, which will have only heightened during his impressive loan with Leeds in the Championship.

There he’s shown immense flexibility within numerous systems, which will really please Graham Potter.

If the Seagulls get their way this summer, you’d imagine that White will be at the heart of Potter’s plans.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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