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Sam Hill

Mikel Arteta firm in Ben White stance ahead of Liverpool clash amid Trent Alexander-Arnold worry

Arsenal star Ben White has impressed in his new right-back role so far this season sparking questions as to why he hasn't been called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult start to the new season, with many wondering why the 24-year-old was selected ahead of the Gunners defender. White was moved out to right-back by Mikel Arteta following the return and brilliant form of William Saliba, who is drawing comparisons to Virgil van Dijk ahead of Arsenal's clash against the Reds this afternoon.

The 25-year-old completed a £52million move from Brighton to the Emirates Stadium last year and played the majority of last season at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The tactical tweak from Arteta has seen the Gunners concede just eight goals in eight matches so far this season and a win this afternoon will see them return to the top of the Premier League table.

READ MORE: Fabinho sends blunt five-word warning to Arsenal ahead of Liverpool Premier League clash

White's omission from the England squad raised questions as to whether the Arsenal star would travel to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year, despite his amazing form for the north London outfit so far this season. Speaking to HaytersTV, when asked whether White is ready to play for England, Arteta responded: "Ben would be very comfortable playing on the right side of a back three as well as in the middle or as a full-back.

“If you ask me if he is ready to make that step [to England], then the answer is yes because he is a very confident boy. He gives you absolutely everything, he is always available and he has the courage to play under real pressure."

Arteta explained his decision to move White out into a right-back role and the versatility of the 25-year-old means the Arsenal boss can be more flexible with his tactics. Arteta continued: “We are really happy with where he is and obviously with the way William [Saliba] has been playing it makes sense for Ben to play there but that doesn’t mean he cannot play as a central defender.

“We all believed he had the qualities to do that [right-back] role and the most important step, probably, was for him to believe that he could do it, to feel comfortable in that position and that this position could maximise his potential as well to give him another dimension as a player.

“The fact that now he can play in various positions, I think makes him a more complete player and I think he’s very happy with that.”

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