“He was absolutely dreadful” – Pundit predicts ‘overrated’ Arsenal star to lose his spot in the starting XI next season

“He was absolutely dreadful” – Pundit predicts ‘overrated’ Arsenal star to lose his spot in the starting XI next season

Former Aston Villa attacker Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly stated that Arsenal defender Ben White will be displaced in Mikel Arteta’s defence by William Saliba next season.

White, 24, joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion for £50 million last summer and quickly established himself as a key member of Arteta’s squad, making 37 games.

He received accolades for his defensive pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes, but Agbonlahor says the 24-year-old is ‘overrated.’

He expects William Saliba, who has been on loan at Marseille, to take his spot next season, telling Football Insider:

“I’ve watched Saliba a few times and he’s got that speed that you like to see in a centre-half and he’s very good at making the right decision at the right time.”

Saliba was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year after an outstanding season at Marseille in which he appeared in 52 games.

Agbonlahor went on to criticise Arsenal’s defence, specifically White:

“Arsenal’s defence is nowhere near good enough to get top-four. For me, Ben White is very overrated, I watched him against Newcastle towards the end of the season and he was absolutely dreadful.”

“He lacks pace, he lacks aggression. Yes, he’s good on the ball but he’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s a centre-half. Arsenal need two centre-halves who are no nonsense and have both got speed. For me, Gabriel and Saliba would be my starters next season.

“With Ben White, I think Brighton are laughing at getting the fee they got for him because he’s not good enough. It’s a shame that Arsenal have wasted a lot of money again. It was the same with Pepe. Ben White was not needed and Saliba should start ahead of him.”

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“He was absolutely dreadful” – Pundit predicts ‘overrated’ Arsenal star to lose his spot in the starting XI next season