This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Leeds United’s defence has been incredible this season.
Even the biggest critic of Marcelo Bielsa’s side has to admit that their backline is mightily impressive as they’ve conceded just nine goals in 16 matches in the league this term.
Ben White has been a vital component in United’s incredible defensive record as the centre-back has started every game for the Whites this season while both fans and journalists have named him as the club’s Player of the Season so far.
One of United’s former players has dished out huge praise for the defender this week, and he’s made a massive claim.
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What’s been said then?
Noel Whelan spoke very highly of Ben White.
“This kid is going places,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“He is going to be an England international and is heading for a top club, a Champions League club. There’s no doubt he’s good enough.
“Right now, he’s on a par with John Stones, if not better than him. Ben White is much younger, has room for improvement and has a massive career ahead of him.
“I’m not surprised he’s being linked with Liverpool and Man United. This kid could play in any team. He’s heading for a £50million move in the next year or two.”
Absolutely massive
The former Whites attacker hasn’t been coy about how highly he rates the Brighton loanee.
Saying that he will is headed for a Champions League club is huge praise, but the most interesting part of this is the fact that he’s said he’s on a par with John Stones.
Stones is a key component in arguably the best team in Premier League history, so for Whelan to say that Leeds have a player just as good as him shows how impressive White has been.
Certainly in their ball-playing abilities, they are very similar. The Manchester City defender has completed 93.2% of his passes while White maintains a rate of 85.5%. Of course, there is a difference in the quality of the league they’re playing in but some parallels can certainly be drawn.
There are also similarities in terms of their development. Stones first made his name in the Championship playing for Barnsley before heading to Everton and then onto Champions League football with City.