Liam Cooper has claimed that Leeds United teammate Ben White could be ‘one of the best in the world’ if he continues his steady rate of progression across his career.  

Leeds moved to sign White on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer transfer window, with the 22-year-old coming into Marcelo Bielsa’s defence to replace Pontus Jansson.

And, he’s been ever-present in the Championship’s best defence this season, with White featuring for 90 minutes last night as Leeds recorded a 2-0 victory over Hull City.

In his pre-match programme notes ahead of yesterday (10/12/2019, issue 11, page 25), Cooper issued some high praise of his centre-back partner.

“He’s been brilliant,” the Leeds skipper wrote. “He oozes confidence and he’s so calm in possession.  

“For a young lad he reads the game so well. He’s just got to keep going, keep listening, keep training hard, and he’s going to go on and have an unbelievable career.”  

Rounding off his assessment of the 22-year-old, Cooper made his bold prediction: “If he keeps going and keeps improving he’s going to be one of the best in the world.”

The Athletic have previously reported that Liverpool and Manchester United have White on their radar, with the defender only at Leeds on loan until the end of the season and set to head back to Brighton in the summer.

The midweek Leeds United quiz – How much attention have you paid in 2019/20 so far?

The Verdict

Anyone who has watched White play this season for Leeds will tell you what a special player he is, with many backing him for great things in the Premier League and on the international stage.

He will be playing in the Premier League regularly next season, but whether that’s with Leeds, Brighton, Liverpool or Manchester United remains to be seen.

Leeds will hope it is with them, but with White receiving praise like this regularly, you expect he might be playing at a superior level.

Thoughts? Let us know!