A lot of Leeds United fans have reacted to the news that Marcelo Bielsa will play Ben White in the defensive midfield role against Huddersfield.
Kalvin Phillips is banned, which means that White will play as a holding midfielder.
Are you happy with White playing as a defensive midfielder?
Yes, he has all the attributes required
No, leave him in defence
This had a mixed reaction from many Leeds fans – with some wanting Bielsa to leave the 22-year-old, who is valued at £2.25m by Transfermarkt, in defence.
Kalvin Phillips is banned for Huddersfield. Bielsa says Ben White is likely to replace him as defensive mid. "It's a new position for him. He has the skills to play there but he's not used to playing there." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 5, 2019
No leave in him defence.
— DaveGoate (@DaveGoate) December 5, 2019
I think this is a bad idea.
— Jim Moran (@jimmoran) December 5, 2019
Would prefer to keep white at the back myself and either use another utility player or blood a youngster.
— One Block More (@one_block_more) December 5, 2019
I would not be playing our best CB out of position.
— Simon James (@Simonjames191) December 5, 2019
Other Whites supporters, though, are happy to see the defender play in the Phillips role for one game.
He could play anywhere…..!!?. The resurrected Paul Madeley
— David Wainwright (@dayvid58) December 5, 2019
“Ben White the Brighton Pirlo…” Remember where you heard it first!
— Dom (@SpudofAmersham) December 5, 2019
It’s ether that or we give one of the guys in the under 23s a debut against Huddersfield which imo wouldn’t be a good idea white in there is the best option we have imo
— Callum Wainwright (@CallumWainwri20) December 5, 2019
What do we think?
Bielsa has praised White for his ability to carry the ball out of defence and that he sees him as a natural choice to fill in for Phillips.
It is no surprise that the Argentine has decided to do this White has a passing accuracy of 85.5%, and in the 2-1 win over Luton Town, he carried the ball from his own half to the edge of the box – where he slipped Patrick Bamford in on goal who finished well. (1:30)
Bielsa has recognised that he needs someone who can take the ball off the defence and link the midfield to the attack, and for just one game, this seems like a sensible move from the Argentine.
The only issue is that it may disrupt the previously rock-solid defence.