THREAD: I've taken a closer look at Ben White's man-of-the-match winning performance during Leeds' 3-0 win over Fulham. He was absolutely excellent throughout. Probably one to miss if your name is Aleksandar Mitrovic. 🔬 #LUFC
Ben White was tasked with man-marking Aleksandar Mitrovic against Fulham and bossed his marker in the air and on the ground at Elland Road. Mitrovic actually won just one aerial duel in the Leeds' penalty box throughout the game.
Ben White's reading of the game is arguably his best asset, and the loanee centre-back has made more interceptions than any other Championship player this season (88). Here he cuts out a pass into Mitrovic and steps out to win a free-kick for Leeds. He makes it look far too easy.
Something Leeds fans have become accustomed to seeing is Ben White carrying the ball forwards and beating the first man. Of all the Championship defenders to have made 20+ successful dribbles, Ben White has the highest percentage of completed take-ons (83%) this season (24/29).
Here Ben White is alert to the pass in to the feet of Mitrovic, and steps out to move across and shield the ball, allowing Kalvin Phillips to pick up possession and start an attacking phase. Mitrovic's first touch is clearly terrible, but White's job has been done.
Ben White made a crucial intervention from a Fulham set-piece in the first half that was driven in towards the far post. A vital piece of defending from the 22-year-old at a time when Leeds were under intense pressure.
Ben White again sticks very tight to his marker Mitrovic and puts him under pressure, forcing him into taking a heavy touch and allowing Kalvin Phillips to nip in and steal the ball away.
Alexandra Mitrovic may be seven centimetres taller than Ben White, but Leeds centre-back was more than equal to matching the Fulham forward in the air from a long ball forward.
Ben White gets a vital touch to dispossess Mitrovic and win possession back for Leeds. You can see the frustration in his reaction. You've also probably already noticed a pattern where Kalvin is rarely far away from any White v Mitro battle, protecting and looking for turnovers.
This is Ben White at his brilliant best, having complete confidence in himself to step out and win the ball to steal possession back. Here he takes advantage of another mistake from Mitrovic, who cut a very frustrated figure at Elland Road.
Ben White again steps out and utilises his pace to get to the ball first before Mitrovic in the opposition half. He gets enough on it to turnover possession and allowing Luke Ayling to recycle the ball.
Here Alexandra Mitrovic dropped deeper to try and pick up the ball away from his marker, but found himself chased down in his own half and forced to lay the ball off. Tremendous pressure.
Ben White wins another ground duel against Mitrovic, not allowing him any time on the ball and limiting his ability to hold up or link up play in the Leeds half. The Fulham forward failed to make a single touch in Leeds' penalty area in the second half.
Here Ben White beats his marker in the air and aims a successful header towards teammate Mateusz Klich in the opposition half.
This was my favourite tussle of the game. Ben White is drawn out of position but has decided to harass and frustrate Aleksandar Mitrovic in his own half. The Fulham man uses his strength to shield the ball, but can't help being forced back before eventually releasing the ball.
I've saved the best until last. Ben White reads the situation brilliantly to steal possession in midfield, before carrying the ball forwards and delivering a nutmegged pass out towards Tyler Roberts with space in front of him in the final third.
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