Why Ben White would be a great long-term signing for Liverpool
According to Sussex Live, Liverpool are considering making a move for Brighton centre-back, Ben White. The Reds were handed horrific news as Virgil Van Dijk was diagnosed with an ACL injury and faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table. This has put the club in pursuit of another defender to provide cover.
Profile
The 23-year-old started his youth career at Southampton’s academy before being released by them in 2014. Brighton snapped him up and drafted him to their U-18 side. He made good progress climbing through the youth sides.
While he was in the U-23s, he was sent on loan to Newport County for a season. He went on to make a staggering 51 appearances for them before returning. In 2019, he had a short loan spell at Peterborough.
However, it was his performances for Leeds that got him the limelight. Just one season on loan and he ended up with 49 games under his name, while scoring one goal and assisting two (source – Transfermarkt). He was a vital part of Leeds’ promotion push and ultimate success as the club returned to the top-flight in over a decade.
Can he provide cover for Van Dijk?
With the towering centre-back out for an unknown period of time, Liverpool will be sweating to find an able replacement. They did identify White as one but concerns remain over his abilities, as mentioned in the report.
However, Ben White is the best thing they are going to get as he has shown tremendous ability in defending. Brighton refusing numerous bids from Leeds (source – Sussex Live) should tell you that the player isn’t all that bad. Especially when you consider someone like Marco Bielsa is chasing him.
Verdict
It is nearly impossible to replace someone like Van Dijk, given that he is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now. But Liverpool’s hands are tied at this juncture. Despite their concerns, the Reds should try to get Ben White.
He is an experienced chap with time in the lower tiers. With Matip and Gomez the first choice defenders right now, Klopp would be scratching his head. While Matip may be a decent customer, doubts remain over Gomez and how he is targeted by teams to force errors, as was the case against Aston Villa.
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Ben White would be a good signing for the Reds.
