Ben White

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

At the summit of English football, where Arsenal reign supreme as Premier League leaders, Ben White operates in the shadows of his more celebrated teammates—and that's precisely where he thrives. The 28-year-old English right-back has become Mikel Arteta's tactical Swiss Army knife, seamlessly transitioning between right-back, centre-back, and defensive midfield while elite cohorts Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard orchestrate the symphony ahead. With 18 appearances and 1,001 minutes logged, White's 1 goal and 2 assists barely scratch the surface of his true value. That £30 million valuation reflects something more intangible: the recovery sprints that bail out high defensive lines, the progressive carries per match that knit play together, and the defensive intelligence that allows Arsenal's star-studded midfield to play with abandon. As the Gunners chase glory, White's understated excellence—anchored by his 70 defending rating and relentless work rate—provides the championship foundation trophy cabinets are built upon. While headlines flow to the creators, White is the silent architect ensuring the stage stays intact.