.
The Englishman has made himself a bit of a hero to Gooners – not just because of his consistently brilliant performances but also because of some of his antics on the pitch.
White was signed by Mikel Arteta as a centre-half, but he has been successfully converted into one of the best right-backs in Europe.
The 26-year-old was definitely the best right-back in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season and was one of the biggest reasons why Arsenal took the title race to the last day of the season.
However, despite that, Rice was snubbed in favour of Kyle Walker in the PFA Team of the Year that was announced on Tuesday night.
As you can imagine, Arsenal fans are furious!
Ben White #4 of Arsenal reacts after the match against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California.
Arsenal fans react as Kyle Walker makes PFA Team of the Year ahead of Ben White
Walker has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League for many years, but he had a fairly underwhelming 2023/24 season. To add to that, he was shockingly poor at Euro 2024 for England as well.
White was levels above Walker, so it’s really frustrating to see the Arsenal number four be ignored in the PFA Team of the Year.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Walker over Ben White is criminal!”
Another wrote: “I don’t care what anybody says but Walker is here purely on reputation and not on merit, cause Ben White was miles better than him last season.”
“I feel bad for Ben White. Best RB in the Premeir League for two years in a row but Walker being put above him by default,” said another fan.
Another Arsenal supporter commented: “I agree with this Team of the Year completely! Apart from Kyle Walker! No way was he better than Ben White last season.”
“Ben White should be in that PFA squad ahead of Walker man. Had a brilliant season over Walker.”
When people who aren’t Arsenal fans start talking about the best right-backs in the country, most of them only mention Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James.
White rarely ever gets in the conversation – even though he is a better right-back than all three of the names above.
In the 2023/24 season, White scored four goals and provided four assists while also helping Arsenal maintain the best defence in the entire Premier League.
He also averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game – all superior to Walker’s corresponding numbers.
White also registered a better aerial duel success rate and averaged more key passes per game than the former Tottenham Hotspur defender (SofaScore).
Arsenal fans have every right to be angry to see that Walker has been picked ahead of White – they are all spot on!
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