Everton are one of many sides in the Premier League choosing to adopt a highly physical approach from set-pieces this season.
David Moyes has already made headlines for his approach to dead-ball situations, as Senne Lammens complained about Everton after Manchester United’s 1-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in February. The Belgian felt the Toffees went a bit over the top when trying to put him off at corners.
If opponents already find Everton to be annoying from these scenarios, they could end up disliking the Toffees even more if a deal to sign Ben White from Arsenal materialises this summer.
Thoughts on potentially signing Ben White? 🤔
Arsenal right-back Ben White.
How Ben White could help Everton become even stronger from set-pieces
Various reports have claimed that Everton hope to sign White this summer as Moyes targets defensive reinforcements, and the England international has history when it comes to making a nuisance of himself from dead-ball situations.
The Arsenal No.4 memorably irked Guglielmo Vicario during the north London derby in April 2024 – attempting to take the Italian’s glove off before a corner was taken.
White also played a key role in helping Arsenal become the force they are today from set-pieces after finding a smart way to block goalkeepers without fouling, hiding behind them before stepping in front just as the ball is played. The tactic led Graeme Souness to write an entire article for the Daily Mail criticising it.
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Even putting these antics aside, the man born in Poole is generally a threat in the air due to his physical prowess and 6ft 1in frame, which he used to put Arsenal ahead in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea earlier this year.
There is certainly room for improvement when it comes to scoring from set-pieces, with Everton netting nine so far this season. Ten Premier League sides have scored more.
Therefore, a deal for White, a master of the dark arts and a solid footballer in possession of the ball as well, could help to make Everton a real force from dead-ball scenarios, just like his current teammate Gabriel Magalhaes has at Arsenal.
Since the Brazilian signed for the Gunners in September 2020, he has bagged 24 goals in 248 appearances – along with ten assists – a superb record for a central defender.
Who should Everton be keeping and letting go this summer? 🫣
Jack Grealish in action for Everton
Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus
Hopefully, if Everton do end up signing White, the former Brighton man can have a similar impact for the Toffees.
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