Ben White names his toughest Premier League opponents including player he still gets mocked about years later

 

Arsenal star Ben White has opened up on his toughest ever opponents including one ‘underrated’ player.

Ben White has revealed that he still gets mocked for being ripped apart by one of his toughest ever Premier League opponents, years after the incident occurred.

White has cemented his reputation as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Arsenal from Brighton in 2021.

The versatile 26-year-old, who can play in both central defence and at right-back, has been a key figure for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in recent seasons.

He made 50 appearances in all competitions last term, scoring four goals, as Arsenal once again finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League.

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And he is set to have another important season with the Gunners, starting at right-back in their 2-0 victory over Wolves in their opening game of the new campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s next match against Aston Villa on Saturday, White was asked to name his toughest opponents in English football.

He correctly guessed that Sky Sports viewers had voted Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as his hardest opponent, after being shredded by winger in a 3-2 defeat to the Red Devils in 2020 during his time at Brighton.

When asked if Rashford was indeed his toughest opponent, White said: “One of them, yeah.

“When I was at Brighton, he went past me three times, chopped me three times and then scored. That was obviously on Twitter everywhere, and I still get it today.

“Obviously an amazing player.”

Sky Sports viewers also guessed Liverpool star Mo Salah and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, which surprised White.

 

White named Rashford as one of his toughest opponents (Image: Getty)
White named Rashford as one of his toughest opponents (Image: Getty)

He instead mentioned Haaland’s City teammates Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish, adding that he rarely comes up against Salah due to their opposing positions on the pitch.

Reflecting on facing Haaland, White added: “That’s the thing, it’s the goals that he scores. Our two centre-backs have done really well against him.

“But he’s an amazing player and he keeps doing what he’s doing.”

White went on to name Liverpool star Diogo Jota as another “really good” opponent, who he believes is underrated.

“When you play against him, you don’t realise how quick and strong he is. He’s obviously technically really good as well,” added White.