Player Profile: Adam Webster

Adam Webster

Player Profile: Adam Webster

By Jonny Bray

Adam Webster is the latest in a long line of exciting centre-backs to come out of Brighton and Hove Albion in recent years.

We already have one of them in Ben White, and after his impressive start to life at Arsenal, we thought it would be wise to take a look at another prospect that Mikel Arteta should have his eyes on. 

The 27-year-old may not be as highly rated as White, but he's received a considerable amount of praise since Brighton's 1-1 draw against Chelsea. 

He scored in that game and showed that he could offer everything you could want from a Premier League defender on his day. 

His career so far

It’s fair to say Webster has taken the long route to the top of English football. 

He's played for Portsmouth, Aldershot Town, Ipswich Town, Bristol City and The Seagulls during his time as a professional. 

During that time, he's played across the divisions, meaning he's a defender with a unique array of experiences and skills. 

He only established himself in the Championship in 2016 and has only really been playing consistently in the Premier League since 2019. 

Could he play for England? 

His stats this season put England defenders Harry Maguire and John Stones to shame. 

However, Gareth Southgate is clearly a manager who has his favourites. With younger alternatives like 
Ben White, Marc Guéhi, and the often disregarded Fikayo Tomori coming through, it's hard to see where Webster fits in. 

At the same time, we also know Southgate isn't afraid to give players a chance if they earn it, and on the trajectory he's on, it's easy to see how Webster could force his way in there. 

Southgate doesn't seem to be the biggest fan of Tomori. White still appears to be Arsenal's second choice behind Gabriel, and Guéhi is very young. 

So there's still a chance that, despite his age, Webster will get a chance in an England squad in the future. 

Should we sign him? 

The problem with signing Webster is the price tag. 

I would love Webster to be at the club as some top-quality cover for White and Gabriel. 

Unfortunately, though, he's already had that public hype that can double or even triple a player's price tag. 

Now that he's receiving calls for an England call up and a big transfer away from the AMEX, I have no doubt that Brighton will be looking for at least £30 million for the centre-back. 

Especially when you consider how much Brighton's defence has proven to be worth to their form in the league. 

He would really offer a lot as an alternative to Ben White, and I also think he'd be great in a back three if we ever want to switch things up tactically. 

So there's no doubt he has the quality needed to play for Arsenal. In fact, he's in many ways a perfect fit, but at that age and that price tag, I feel it would be wise to give this one a miss.

Photo credit: Getty Images

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