Footballers are ditching blind loyalty for data and bigger pay checks. Look at Ben White's deal with Arsenal - it's the new way of the game
The 26-year-old defender didn’t leave his future to chance. White’s representatives leveraged data-driven insights from Analytics FC, a data consultancy firm, to build a strong case for a better contract.
Their analysis revealed White’s unique skillset: the ability to play accurate short passes and excel in multiple positions – a quality coveted by Europe’s elite.
Clubs like Manchester City, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona could all potentially benefit from his versatility, according to the data.
🚨 Ben White new deal another major boost to Arsenal & deserved reward for crucial squad member. Latest footballer to use analytics in talks, showing 26yo as good fit for some of Europe’s elite clubs - but he only wanted #AFC. W/ @gunnerblog @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/8pvwS1vjbE
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) March 18, 2024
This stat-driven approach isn’t ground-breaking. Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, was a pioneer.
Edwards is also set to return to the Merseyside club at the end of the season, to the delight of The Reds faithful.
He built a championship-winning team by using cold, hard numbers to guide key decisions. Mohamed Salah’s 2021 contract extension is another prime example.
Edwards used Salah’s dominance on the field (translated into statistics) to secure a win-win for both player and club.
By taking control of his narrative with data, White has become an even more valuable asset for Arsenal.
Not only is he a fitness fanatic with near-constant availability, but his tactical flexibility – playing centre-back, right-back, or even inverting into midfield – makes him a manager’s dream.
Throw in his incredible ability to play through minor injuries, and you have a player with a winning mentality.
NEW: Nowadays right-backs can be asked to be extra centre-backs, extra midfielders, quasi wingers. And sometimes just right-backs.
— Lewis (@LGAmbrose) March 19, 2024
Ben White is every one of them, all at once. And always the right one at the right time.
Analysis for @arseblog: https://t.co/mv9oSJx9aW pic.twitter.com/SdUbGYqmtZ
This new breed of footballer is a breath of fresh air for the sport. It forces clubs to be smarter with their finances and value players based on objective metrics.
But White isn’t just about the numbers – he’s got heart too. A master of the “dark arts” on the pitch and a fan favourite at the Emirates, his lung-busting runs that create key chances showcase a spirit that goes beyond data.
It’s this kind of passion that makes him a true winner and a guaranteed starter on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet.
Warrior. Fighter. Winner.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 15, 2024
The best of Ben White in an Arsenal shirt so far 👇 pic.twitter.com/fKBx8nHKnp
