Arsenal Defender Ben White: Rashford Is the Toughest Opponent I Have Faced in the Premier League

Arsenal defender Ben White named Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as the toughest attacker he has faced in the Premier League. He gave this answer in an interview before the start of the new season.

"I would probably still choose Rashford."

White joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2021 for £50 million and has since faced many of the Premier League's top attackers, including Salah, Haaland and Son Heung-min. Despite that, the 28-year-old defender still considers Rashford the most difficult individual challenge. When asked by Men In Blazers which Premier League attacker was hardest to defend against, he replied: "I would probably still choose Rashford. I think he is the toughest player I have faced."

Form has fluctuated over the past two years, but his reputation remains

The praise carries weight because Rashford's form has not been consistent over the past two years. He was loaned to Barcelona last season, returned to Manchester United this summer, and then re-entered Michael Carrick's first-team plans. His return was not completely smooth, as Rashford was substituted after feeling discomfort in United's 2-2 draw with Everton, although the issue is not currently considered serious.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United's medical team is monitoring his situation while preparing for the Manchester derby against Manchester City on September 13. So far this Premier League season, no player has created more chances through carrying the ball than Rashford, who has done so five times.

Talent is not the issue; consistency is the key

White's assessment shows that Rashford's reputation among defenders remains high. At his best, Rashford has explosive pace, direct dribbling ability and the capacity to attack the space behind defensive lines. For full-backs or centre-backs, one mistake in judgement can immediately turn into a scoring opportunity.

His biggest challenge has never been talent, but rather consistency, confidence and physical condition. That is why this season is important. After Manchester United failed to find a suitable summer exit solution and kept Rashford, Carrick now needs to get more than occasional flashes of brilliance from him.