Ben White has revealed that his rise to success in the Premier League is deeply rooted in a commitment to professionalism instilled in him from his early years in football.
Reflecting on his time in the Southampton academy, White shared how punctuality and discipline became second nature: “Being on time and professional was just drilled into you,” he said as Arsenal.com quoted. “I don’t remember ever getting told off for it, or missing a bus or anything, but we all knew that you just cannot be late. That was part of respect.”
This dedication to high standards has defined White’s approach to training and self-improvement. “I study a lot after games,” he explained. “I like to see what I’ve done well, what I can do better. I’m always trying to learn.”
White also finds motivation in the routines of teammates like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard, whose commitment to fitness and preparation set examples he admires. “Tomiyasu does some crazy things! The exercises and things he does in preparation are just so different to what I’ve known before,” he noted. “Also, Odegaard… he’s always getting massages, having a cold bath. His preparation and professionalism are amazing.”
However, despite his devotion to the game, White revealed that he has no interest in a coaching role once his playing career ends. “No, I’m not at all interested in that, and I can’t really see that ever changing,” he said. “I love playing, I love everything about being a footballer, but I don’t think I’ll be motivated to go into that.”
As for the future, White is happy to focus on the present, enjoying his career and his family. “As for the future, well, I’m quite easy-going,” he concluded. “As long as I’m around my family, I’ll be happy. That’s it really – I just want to be happy.”
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