Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Ben White is a better signing that Raphael Varane – a bold claim that has since brought plenty of debate on social media.
At the end of last month, Arsenal decided to strengthen their defensive line by splashing £50 million on the 23-year-old England international following an impressive campaign at Brighton.
Manchester United, meanwhile, brought in experienced centre-back and World Cup winner Varane from Real Madrid in a deal worth £42 million; a move praised by many.
 |
| Image credit: PA |
That being said, former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Arsenal’s aquisition of White is better business than the arrival of Varane to Old Trafford.
“One thing I thought Arsenal missed was a defender like him,” Wright-Phillips told talkSPORT. “He’s got old an old-school mentality but he can play football as well.”
talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein then asks whether Wright-Phillips thinks White will do better in the Premier League than Varane.
“Yes I personally do. I know it’s a big statement, but he is used to the Premier League and he is used to defending a lot for Brighton, week in, week out.
“Varane has come into a whole new league and he is going to put under immense pressure.”
Then, when asked by Goldstein who he would rather sign, the former City winger said: “At this moment, I would definitely say Ben White.”
“It’s a big statement but Varane is coming into a brand new league with pressure.”
“I’d definitely say Ben White.” ✅
Shaun Wright-Phillips says Ben White is a better signing than Raphael Varane.
📺 More: https://t.co/bY7wF2WdYU pic.twitter.com/OT8UZVdZSS
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 11, 2021
Wright-Phillips is not alone in his opinions. Shortly after the signing of White was announced, plenty of Arsenal fans suggested the centre-back will end up being a better investment for them than Varane at United.
Ben White will turn out to be a better investment than Raphaël Varane.
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) July 26, 2021
100% not even joking. White is 23 and has got 10 years or more at the top level left. Varane is nearly 30 and will probably leave United in 3 years time
— OllieTheGunner (@OllieTheGunner) July 26, 2021
He already is mate, as much as I like varane but other than his pace,there’s not so much in him…White is better in the build up play,pace,long and accurate passes, reads the game better and EPL proven, we’re getting a better deal.
— The Asembo (@theasembo3) July 26, 2021
White’s former Brighton teammate, Lewis Dunk, believes the defender has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
“He’s got the potential to for sure. I think we have seen it for a good few years now, how good he is,’ Dunk told talkSPORT.
“I spoke to him a few times in the summer when he was away with England, just seeing how he was and if he was enjoying it and he was only saying good things.
“What a summer he’s had I suppose, he’s been in a Euro final and got a £50m move, not bad is it for him.”
Thoughts on Wright-Phillips saying White is a better signing than Varane?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA