Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has claimed that the fact Gunners team-mate Benjamin White doesn't pass to him shows the latter's quality.
Some Arsenal fans had noticed that summer signing White has rarely passed to Tomiyasu this season, with some supporters confused as to why.
However, the Japanese international, who signed from Serie A side Bologna on transfer deadline day, believes the former Leeds United loanee is doing the right thing when he neglects to pass him the ball.
When quizzed on the qualm, Tomiyasu said: "It is because Ben White is a good player. Often, passes from the centre back to the full-backs become 'pressure passes'.
"I play centre back too, and simple passes to the full-backs are actually the last option I consider.
"If the full-back is not under opposition pressure I will play the pass, but if the winger is right in front, you’ll end up caught by the press.
"So Ben White is a good player who doesn't play passes that put you under pressure."
Both White and Tomiyasu have started each of Arsenal's last 13 outings, with both defenders settling into life in north London extremely well.
The pair have kept six clean sheets in those 13 fixtures, forming an impressive backline alongside goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, with Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares rotating at left-back in recent weeks.
The Gunners will hope they can deliver another solid display against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening as a win would see them leapfrog the Hammers into fourth place in the Premier League standings.
