Jump directly to the content

Ben White's agent has urged the defender's critics to 'be kind' as he launched an impassioned defence of the Arsenal star.

The 26-year-old, who has been a standout player for the table-toppers this season, scored twice in the 5-0 win against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

White's agent Alexander Levack has defended the Arsenal right-back on social media
3
White's agent Alexander Levack has defended the Arsenal right-back on social mediaCredit: Handout

But despite being one of the best full-backs on current form, White has received criticism following his request to be left out of England's squad for March's international friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.

It left ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to label the former Brighton star as 'disgusting' - without knowing why White asked not be considered.

And now White's representative, Alexander Levack, has addressed the 'negative' attention his client has received, but failed to specify which stories he was referring to.

In a statement posted on his LinkedIn profile, Levack said: "I feel compelled to write this today after such a great performance last night, and all season for that matter, from client Ben White.

READ MORE ON ARSENAL

"For the past four weeks Ben has been in the press and media a great deal in that time with a large percentage of that being negative.

"Whilst I appreciate that Ben is in the public eye which brings it’s own connotations and leaves you open to criticism I wanted to make the point that every elite performer, whichever field that may be, is a human being who has the same feeling we all have and experience good and bad.

"No one knows what is actually going on in one’s life so I really believe people should think before making a judgement or criticising these elite performers in public.

"Ben has shown unbelievable robustness and strength throughout this adverse period off the pitch and has blocked out all the noise and has performed incredibly well on the pitch, in a situation where many others could have and would have wilted.

White scored twice for Arsenal in the 5-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates
3
White scored twice for Arsenal in the 5-0 win over Chelsea at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
The four-cap England international has been one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this season
3
The four-cap England international has been one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Getty

"Ben has an incredible temperament and attitude which allows him the ability to navigate through his working and personal life.

"I suppose the main message is be kind to people as you do not have the full facts, which in Ben’s case neither Ben nor I wish to vocalise publicly, and do not know what is going on in peoples personal lives so again please be kind."

‘Don’t start being an idiot’ – Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara get into argument about Chelsea’s performance at Arsenal

White is a candidate to be named in the Premier League Team of the Season having chipped in with four goals and as many assists in 33 top-flight matches.

He has also proved pivotal in Mikel Arteta's side boasting a whopping 16 clean sheets - six more than any other side.

His dazzling displays saw him handed a new long-term contract by the Gunners last month, with his teammates featuring in the wholesome announcement.

Since making the move to Arsenal in 2021 in a deal worth £50million, White has missed just seven Premier League games.

Topics