Revealed: Liverpool scouts blown away by English 22-yr-old but have one big doubt
Liverpool scouts have been raving about Leeds United loanee Ben White but have identified one key weakness as a summer swoop is debated, Football Insider has learned.
The Premier League leaders are one of a number of leading Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on the centre-back during his season-long loan at Elland Road.
A Liverpool source has told Football Insider that their recruitment department have closely analysed the 22-year-old Englishman this season and been hugely impressed by his development.
He is said to have scored excellent data metrics on Liverpool's sophisticated tracking tools as the club assess centre-backs who can carry the ball forward and fit into Jurgen Klopp's style of play.
White is so comfortable on the ball he has even been used in a midfield anchorman role by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, when he could not call upon Kalvin Phillips due to suspension.
One area where White has not performed so well is in aerial duels, partly as a consequence of his 6ft frame.
By centre-back standards, and in comparison to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren, who are all 6ft 3in or taller, White is far from a colossal figure.
Even Joe Gomez, whose playing style White has been compared to, is 6ft 2in and has a better success in defensive headers and clearances.
White's game is built on his awareness, mobility, timing and outstanding distribution.
Football Insider first revealed in October that Jurgen Klopp's European champions have been keeping close tabs on him this season.
He has been an ever-present in Leeds' Championship campaign but is due to go back to parent club Brighton at the end of the season.