Graham Potter explains best position for Liverpool target Ben White ahead of Tottenham

Brighton's versitile defender Ben White has played in a number of different positions already in the Premier League this season but Albion boss Graham Potter believes his long term future is at centre back
Ben White has played in a variety of positions for Brighton this seasonBen White has played in a variety of positions for Brighton this season
Ben White has played in a variety of positions for Brighton this season

White has featured in all six of Brighton's Premier League matches so far this campaign following his return from a successful loan spell at Leeds last season.

Brighton were determined to keep hold of the 22-year-old and turned down three bids from Leeds during the summer to keep the defender at the Amex Stadium.

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Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa used White in a defensive midfield role on numerous occasion during their promotion winning campaign in the Championship and it's a position he has played for Brighton in the last two fixtures against Crystal Palace and West Brom.

White started the season on the right side of a defensive trio alongside Lewis Dunk, with Adam Webster on the left. He made a solid start to his Premier League career in that role but his versatility has allowed Potter to tweak formations and personnel and use him in midfield as well.

His performances continue to catch the eye and have once again attracted transfer speculation with Liverpool said to be the last club keeping a close eye on his development.

Jurgen Klopp's men are keen to bring in a defender following the season-ending injury to their captain Virgil van Dijk and are said to be preparing a £50m January bid.

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Potter however is never one to indulge in transfer speculation but did discuss what he feels is White's best position.

"It’s hard to predict someone’s career but I think Ben has got the capability to play a few positions," said the Albion boss.

"But if I’m guessing now I think he will end up as a central defender, of course.

"That’s his best position, that’s where he has played most of his games.

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"I think he probably enjoyed the midfield role, probably a bit more against Crystal Palace because of the type of role it was.

"But I still felt he contributed well in the first half (against West Brom), recovered balls and gave us some balance.

"He has got the capability but I think if I’m going to a betting man I’d say centre-back of those positions will be his main position."

Exactly where White will be positioned on the pitch could be vital for Brighton as they prepare to face Tottenham's lethal attack this Sunday.

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Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have been in sparkling form for Mourinho's men who are fifth in the fledgling Premier League table with 11 points from six.

Son's header from Kane's flick-on during their 1-0 win at Burnley last Sunday was the ninth time this season the duo have combined for a Premier League goal - and 29th in total.

Are they best in the Premier League? "Yes, at the minute, would be my answer from the games I have seen," said Potter. "After doing some analysis of Tottenham, they are fantastic, absolutely.

"You are looking at top, top players individually and then they have got that amazing understanding of running in behind or dropping into space which top players have.

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"Credit to Tottenham and Jose, they are performing at a really high level."

Potter also feel Mourinho's will not suffer from fatigue following their disappointing 1-0 loss in the Europa League at Antwerp on Thursday night.

"They have got a big squad that can deal with those two games," Potter said. "So I don't see it as an advantage.

"Clubs like Tottenham are a different level to us, they have a different playing squad, different budget, different goals, they are fighting for different prizes and as a result they have got the resources to deal with that challenge. I don't see it as an advantage."