Ben White shows true colours with Martin Odegaard admission amid poor Arsenal form
Ben White has unpacked how he takes inspiration from Martin Odegaard’s work ethic and professionalism, explaining how is always learning from his Arsenal teammates.
Odegaard returned from a two-month ligament injury absence to feature for the Gunners in Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan. His comeback will be a relief for Arsenal, who have won just one of their past four matches.
Mikel Arteta has seen his side slip out of the top four with his side winless in three Premier League games. That run contains losses to Bournemouth and Newcastle United either side of a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, in which White was forced to play centre-back amid a spate of defensive injuries.
It’s a position he used to occupy at previous club Brighton & Hove Albion and loan outfit Leeds United but he has been mainly used as a right-back under Arteta. Speaking to club media, the 27-year-old admitted he has had a lot to learn throughout his time in the Premier League.
“You try to take bits and pieces from lots of different players when you start out, but really I’m still doing that now,” said White. “There are a few players in our squad that I look up to.
“[Takehiro] Tomiyasu for example – he does some crazy things! The exercises and things that he does in preparation are just so different to what I’ve known before in football.
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“Also Martin Odegaard is a great example in how he trains. He’s always getting massages, having a cold bath and making the most of things like that. His preparation and professionalism is amazing.”