Ben White showcases his versatility on his return to Elland Road

Brighton and Hove Albion clung on to a vital three points against a relentless Leeds United. Graham Potter’s back-line will get the plaudits, but it was Ben White who shone the most in the middle of the park.

Not many footballers are as versatile as Ben White. Epitomising the modern-day defender, he’s been utilised on the right of a back three, anywhere across a back four and holding midfield. On Saturday afternoon, he was used as the latter, playing central midfield alongside Pascal Gross.

It was a genius move from Potter, with White providing more stability in front of the back three. His positioning made it a back six at times with Solly March and Joel Veltman tucking in as wing-backs.

White was purposeful in possession and played an integral part in the Seagulls’ opener. In transition, March flicked the ball to Brighton’s number three who had acres of space to drive into. He shifted the ball to Alexis Mac Allister, who exchanged passes with Leandro Trossard before sliding it to Neal Maupay to finish.

After going 1-0 to the good, White was pivotal in Brighton’s back-line for the remainder of the match. By doing this, he and the rest of his team limited Leeds’ waves of attacks, restricting them to what they’re renowned for which is free-flowing counter-attacking football.

White finished the first half with a 91% pass accuracy, three ball recoveries, three attempted take-ons and an interception.

The 23-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Elland Road, where he played every minute of Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign. With White being familiar with his opposition, he was able to soak up any threat between the lines from the likes of Mateusz Klich and Rodrigo.

Before kick-off, White recreated the iconic moment between Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski as the 23-year-old shared smiles with the likes of former teammates Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford.

White exchanged his thoughts post-match:

“Last year was so special for me.”

“To come back today was absolutely amazing. We’re down there in the league so every point matters. It’s been a positive week for us so to get the three points today was amazing.”

“Leeds are always running. They don’t stop. The way they play is amazing to watch but the boys dug deep and ran as much as they did.”

The defender now midfielder put in a gargantuan shift to secure Brighton’s first victory in nine games. Consistency is key: if White has a good run of games, he may well be an outside punt for Englands Euros campaign.

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