Mikel Arteta has created a very strong Arsenal squad in the recent years. The specific signings made by Gunners have lifted their depth and made turned them into title contenders. Arsenal have many options available for any position on the pitch. But this also has a side effect that no player is guaranteed regular gametime due to high competition. On of such player is Gunners fullback Ben White.
Ben White has currently missed the match due to groin injury. He was set to miss the clash against Manchester City but Arteta needed to bring him in at half time. It was due to Leandro Trossard being showed red card at the end ot first half.
White then missed their Carabao Cup fixture as expected. He was also on bench in their latest Premier League fixture against Leicester City. Jurrien Timber started in his position and was able to put on an amazing performance.
Arsenal full backs against Leicester
Jurrien Timber started the game as right back whereas Riccardo Calafiori played as a left back against Leicester. Timber picked up 1 assist and was the highest rated player in the match.
Timber became the defender with most chances created (7) in Premier League game since 2016/17 alongside Trent Alexander Arnold. He also had 93% passing accuracy and 2 shots.
Timber had 97 touches out of which 3 were in opposition half. He had 100% long ball accuracy and 50% dribble success. He was dribble past only one time and was able to make 2 tackles, 1 interception and 8 recoveries.
On the other hand, Riccardo Calafiori has made the left flank very strong. Ever since he started playing, Gabriel Martinelli who was very quiet since long time has been very productive. In last 2 games, Martinelli has scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists.
Calafiori had 100% shooting accuracy and 86% passing accuracy against Leicester. He created 2 chances and had 92 touches out of which 6 came in opposition box.
Calafiori also had 100% dribble success and 75% long ball accuracy. He made 1 tackle, 1 interception and 1 recovery. Lastly, Calafiori won 60% ground duels and 88% ariel duels. All stats as per FOTMOB.
Ben White should make a strong statement to get back in Gunners starting eleven
Because of Calafiori and Timber, White may receive downfall in his playing time. Timber has been able to yield same results as White while defending. He is also effective while attacking and is similar to White when it comes to overlapping.
Timber is also able to cut inside and play in a more inverted position where we has seen White lacking behind. It is not that White cannot do that but with Timber it feels more natural.
White may have to work on his crossing and long passing or else he might be used as a substitute for Timber. Ben White has played an important role for Gunners in the recent years and hence will definately get more opportunities from Mikel Arteta.
As of now, White is still out and injured. We may witness Timber and Calafiori starting the game once again against Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming Champions League fixture.
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