Why signing White would offer Leicester more depth in defence
According to The Athletic (h/t Leicestershire Live), on-loan Brighton defender Ben White has sparked an interest from Leicester City.
The Brighton centre-back is currently on loan at Championship side Leeds United.
His impressive displays at the back has caught the attention of a host of premier league clubs, including the Foxes, as he has helped Leeds stay in the hunt for automatic promotion.
Thanks to White, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have conceded just 10 goals from 19 games. They now boast of a strong defence, which has conceded the minimum number of goals in the league so far.
The 22-year old has played in all their league games and has a £20million price tag on his head.
After loan spells at lower division sides Newport County and Peterborough United, the clock finally seems to have ticked for White, who is having a breakthrough season with the Whites this year.
Hence, it is no wonder that the in-form White, who is on a season-long deal at Elland Road, has attracted the interest of Premier clubs, with the winter transfer window around the corner.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester are off to a flying start this season, as they sit comfortably at second place in the league standings.
Leicester have won 10 out of 14 games this season, and much of the credit goes to Rodgers’ back-four, especially their centre-back pairing of Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans.
The two have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the Foxes defence, conceding just 9 goals until now.
They have been so consistent that the other two centre-backs – the young Filip Benkovic, and veteran Wes Morgan have seen themselves being restricted to the bench for most of the season.
Benkovic just came back into the squad this summer after a successful loan spell with Scottish side Celtic last season, while Morgan is already 35 and well past his prime.
However, having just four centre-backs in the side won’t go well in the long run and Rodgers would be fully aware that he needs more depth in his defensive department if the Foxes intend to stay on top.
Given the circumstances, it would be really wise if Rodgers’ Leicester are willing to spill some cash for a ball-playing centre-back like White.
The youngster likes to pass the ball around as it is evident from the 85.7% pass success rate he has achieved this season, according to Whoscored
His 1.9 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game further enhances his capabilities as a defender and puts him in high stead. (Source: Whoscored)
Verdict
With just four defenders in his side, Rodgers clearly needs more options at the back if Leicester are to continue their good run of form.
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Hence, an in-form White would indeed be a worthy addition to a side which seems to be on top of its game now. Moreover, in White, Leicester could have a future replacement for Evans and Morgan, who are already past their thirties.