Ben White has been voted the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Championship Player of the month for August. In a vote run by fan engagement experts, Snack Media, the Leeds United defender won with 44% of the vote, beating Swansea City’s Borja Baston, whofinished in second place with 16%. In the second of five divisional votes carried out over nine days via Snack’s digital and social networks and supported by top flight football clubs and press, it was evident that the Brighton loanee’s impressive performances - in which he helped keep three clean sheets at the back - has resonated with football fans up and down the country.
There were big shoes to fill in the Leeds United defence following the surprise departure of Pontus Jansson to Brentford this summer but Ben White has stepped up and looks a class at the back alongside Liam Coper. The best defender at Leeds since Rio Ferdinand? A big claim maybe but the Brighton loanee is backing it up with stats. Defensively White averages 2.5 tackles, 4 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per game leading to three clean sheets for Leeds so far this season. His passing stats make for good reading too with an average of 66 passes per game and a 87.6% pass accuracy rate, a true ball playing centre back and deserving of the award.
Liz Cope, chief marketing officer, Bristol Street Motors said: “Supporting the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Month Award is a privilege. The accolade highlights the high calibre of talent currently demonstrated by the players, while acknowledging achievements throughout the season. “The award is voted for by the fans and a lucky few have the opportunity to present the prize to the winning footballer. Allowing fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, to continue to meet their football heroes is very special, and we look forward to continuing to make these dreams a reality.”
The full list of contenders from the final shortlist polled were as follows:
- Ben White (Leeds United) - 44%
- Borja Baston (Swansea City) – 16%
- Lyle Taylor (Charlton) – 15%
- Daniel Johnson (Preston) - 12%
- Patrick Bamford (Leeds United) - 9%
- Jarrod Bowen (Hull City) - 5%