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Arsenal defender Ben White has praised his teammate Bukayo Saka's understanding of the game. White, who plays on the right side of defense, spoke about how he and Saka share defensive duties against tricky wingers.
White is part of a resolute Arsenal defense under Mikel Arteta with him adapting to a versatile role at full back. He is often seen stepping into midfield to help with the team's build-up play, a role he now understands.
White spoke to former England goalkeeper Ben Foster on Amazon Prime about the inverted full-back role and how despite playing that system, it still fascinates him.
"I think if you look at our team, we've changed the back four where they play, how they play. I've stepped into midfield a few games, got the left left-back coming inside playing as a No.8 and then the last game I remember seeing both our fullbacks on the edge of the box like passing to each other I was thinking 'what is going on'," White said.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender said that adapting to the dynamic nature of the game is a must in today's world.
"There's so many details that you'd know that was just going on from what positions people are in and then you have to obviously adapt to who's on the ball. If I'm on the ball in the pocket then maybe get ready to throw the ball but when it's mine or B [Bukayo Saka] you're flying," said White.
He pinpointed the additional effort Saka puts in to stop their England teammate Marcus Rashford, who could cause defenders trouble when he is one-on-one with them.
"The amount of defending he [Saka] does for me... it's crazy. He never leaves me one-vs-one which obviously massive help for me when I'm up against Rashford," he added.
Arsenal are currently in third spot in the league behind Liverpool and Manchester City. They have the same points and goal difference as the defending champions but have scored two goals fewer than the league's leading goalscorers.
Arsenal dealing with injury concerns
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are currently dealing with injury concerns in their attack as well as defense. The international break saw some of their players limp off and others withdraw from their country's squads as a precaution.
While Ben White is on his way back to playing for the first team once again after nursing a groin injury, several of Arsenal's stars are set for a spell on the sidelines. The return dates for defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are yet to be confirmed, while Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko face late fitness tests ahead of the Bournemouth match this weekend.
The biggest concerns would be the injury to England international Bukayo Saka and their club captain Martin Odegaard. The duo suffered injuries during the international break with the club yet to confirm the seriousness of their injuries.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has some positive news with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli expected to be fit after suffering a setback during international duty. Arsenal will face Bournemouth in a late kick-off on Saturday, October 19.
