Arteta Breaks Silence: The Real Reason Behind Ben White’s Mysterious Absence
For weeks, Arsenal fans have been left scratching their heads over the curious case of Ben White. The English defender, once a near-permanent fixture in Mikel Arteta’s backline, has barely featured this season — a shocking development given his stellar performances during preseason. Now, the Arsenal manager has finally shed light on the situation, revealing that White’s limited game time is not a reflection of form or attitude but rather a calculated tactical choice.
In an exclusive post-match interview that quickly went viral among the Arsenal faithful, Arteta admitted that Ben White was “unbelievable” during preseason. “He was our best player — sharp, fit, and intelligent,” the Spaniard emphasized. But he was quick to clarify that his decisions were purely strategic: “It’s not about form or discipline. Every selection I make is about system balance and what the team needs in a given game.” Those words sparked a fresh wave of discussion among supporters, many of whom had feared a potential fallout behind the scenes.
Since joining Arsenal from Brighton in 2021, White has been one of Arteta’s most reliable performers. His composure on the ball, defensive strength, and partnership with Bukayo Saka down the right flank have made him a fan favorite. Yet, this season, he has started just four Premier League matches — a startling drop-off compared to previous campaigns. Inside sources suggest Arteta has been fine-tuning a new defensive setup — one that leans heavily on overlapping full-backs and inverted roles in midfield transitions. This evolving shape appears to favor players like Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who both possess natural tendencies to drift inside and provide midfield support.
Despite fan frustration, there’s reportedly no bad blood between White and the manager. Those close to the squad describe Ben as a model professional — a player who continues to train intensely even when benched. “Ben’s a warrior,” one insider shared. “He hasn’t sulked once. Arteta just sees different tactical needs right now, but everyone knows how much he values Ben’s presence.” The manager himself reaffirmed this, noting: “He’s crucial for us. Every player will have moments when they feature more or less, but Ben knows how much trust I have in him.”
Tactically, Arteta’s current system demands adaptability. His right-back must operate as both a defender and a midfielder — similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko’s hybrid role on the opposite flank. Timber, whose background includes central defensive duties, seamlessly fits into this flexible structure. White, while defensively impeccable, remains more traditional in his approach, often preferring to stay wide and anchor the flank rather than step into midfield. This stylistic nuance may explain Arteta’s current rotation pattern, even if it temporarily sidelines one of his most dependable players.
Still, Ben White’s story at Arsenal is far from over. With a demanding fixture list ahead — including crucial Champions League nights and Premier League title clashes — squad rotation will be essential. Analysts believe Arteta’s long-term vision includes restoring White to the lineup once tactical fluidity across the back line is achieved. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown echoed that sentiment, saying: “Ben White is one of the most underrated players in the league. His time will come again — and when it does, he’ll remind everyone of his quality.”
Fan opinion remains divided. Some supporters argue that Arteta’s experimentation is necessary to sustain Arsenal’s multi-competition campaign. Others see it as unnecessary disruption. But one thing is certain — Ben White’s determination, professionalism, and versatility mean he won’t stay out of the spotlight for long. As Arteta summed it up perfectly, “It’s never about one player. It’s about what the team needs. But yes, Ben will play — and he will be important for us.”
As Arsenal enter a defining stretch of the season, all eyes will be on the next team sheet. Will Ben White reclaim his spot and reassert his dominance on the right side? Or will Arteta’s tactical evolution continue to reshape the lineup? Whatever the case, the conversation around White’s role has reignited — proving that his impact on the squad goes far beyond minutes on the pitch.
