OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made it a point of pride to try and bring the best young players in world football to Anfield.
It seems like a day doesn’t go by without the Reds being linked with this exciting teenager or that hot prospect. One of the most salivating links that has emerged in recent months, though, is Brighton & Hove Albion centre back Ben White.
Football Insider reported last month that Klopp’s team are keeping tabs on the youngster, who is excelling out on loan at Championship high flyers Leeds United this season.
And former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes that White is headed for the very top: “Ben White is an outstanding defender,” he told Football Insider. “You’re looking at not just a top Premier League player of the future but someone good enough to play for England and in the Champions League. He’s that good.
“I’ve seen him linked with Liverpool and Man United, and I’m not surprised. He’s going to be way more than £20million now. £20m wouldn’t buy his left leg.”
The BBC pundit‘s words will surely have left the Liverpool supporters buzzing. White has been phenomenal at Leeds, but for an ex pro to claim he’s good enough to play for England and in the Champions League is quite the statement.
Obviously the Reds would have to successfully win the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, which won’t be easy, but if they can then it seems they’d be getting an incredible prospect.
The statistics from his time at Elland Road this campaign suggest he’s the business. As per WhoScored.com, the Englishman is averaging 1.9 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game, while has has also provided an assist.
Furthermore, White is averaging 60.6 passes an outing, with a terrific success rate of 85.6%. That’s despite knocking 3.2 long balls forward per game.
Truly this is a tremendous young prospect, and one who the Liverpool fans would surely love their club to sign.
