Danny Mills believes that Ben White has been Leeds’ player of the season so far but he worries about his future at the club.
What did he say?
The former Leeds man admitted that he knew very little of the Brighton loanee when he first arrived at the club, but like many others he has been pleasantly surprised by White’s “outstanding” performances.
It has been some rise for the 22-year-old, who is now linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, as he found himself in and out of the Peterborough side at the end of last season.
Playing for the Whites and under Marcelo Bielsa has been the perfect environment, however, as he is able to express his ball-playing skills, and that has seen both him and the team excel, and led to high praise from Mills.
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills compared the defender to the man he replaced – Pontus Jansson – saying:
“Didn’t know too much about him when he came into the club. Obviously, Pontus Jansson was starting to become a cult hero at Leeds, mainly because of some of the stuff he was doing off the pitch, not always on it.
“But he’s [White] come in and he’s an outstanding footballer.”
Though Leeds fans are likely delighted with the impact he has made, Mills fears the worse. Interest in the youngster is growing and the former England international believes that is a concern.
“He can play and he can defend and I think that’s why, sadly for Leeds…they will struggle to keep hold of him. There will be very big Premier League sides desperate to snap him up.”
Chance to sign?
Mills is understandably worried about Leeds’ chances of keeping White, as there is little doubt that he is one of the best youngsters playing outside of the Premier League.
That has led big clubs to pay attention, too, but until he proves himself in the Premier League they are perhaps unlikely to make a move for him.
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With parent club Brighton also boasting a number of talented central defenders such as Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk and £20m man Adam Webster, there is reason to suggest they could be open to offers for White.
Mills’ most pressing concern should be Leeds’ promotion chances. It is very unlikely that they will be able to afford a permanent move for White if they remain in the Championship, as he could cost £20m, and it is doubtful the player would want to remain in the second-tier.
Another reason why the Whites are so appealing is because of Bielsa. The Argentine has handed the loanee regular game time and played in a style which suits him, and the centre-back is reaping the rewards.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay has been talking about youngster Robbie Gotts and feels he is a “real option” for Bielsa.
