Age: 23
Nationality: English
Position: Striker / Left Winger
Squad no. 23
Height: 6ft 1
Interesting Fact: His boyhood hero is Thierry Henry
Danny Welbeck is 23, and an England International. He recently joined Arsenal on Deadline day of summer 2014 for a fee of £16m, departing from his boyhood and hometown club Manchester United, from which he rose through their academy into the first team. He made his England debut in March 2011, and scored his first senior goal for the national side in June 2012, scoring a well-taken winner against Belgium. Welbeck has been said to mold himself in the shape of Thierry Henry, although some suggest that his playing style is more similar to former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. He’s lightening across the ground, and is known for his work rate. He’s not as a prolific goal scorer as many expected him to be when he burst onto the scene, often struggling in front of the net, and going on lengthy goal droughts. Although, despite his shortage of goals, Welbeck does have an impressive goals to 90 minutes ratio when compared to the heavy weight strikers of the premier League, including the likes of Sergio Aguero. Due to his pace and willingness to make runs Welbeck could flourish in front of Arsenal’s talented midfield, who likewise, have frequently lacked a striker who likes to make runs off the ball; it could be a fruitful partnership if Welbeck leads the line, instead of his usual left-wing spot for the United team that featured Rooney and Van Persie.
How much will he play?
With Giroud’s injury, Arsenal were forced into the transfer Market. They came back with Danny Welbeck who looks set to make a big statement following his rejection from hometown club Manchester United, who sold him in favor of the incredibly expensive Falcao. Welbeck will be looking to make a point to doubters, whilst Arsenal will be hoping he provides the missing piece up front. Arsenal have often lacked pace up front, and a willingness to make runs from their attacks, often resulting in stagnant football, and dead-counter attacks. Arsenal lacked a recognised striker for the next 6 months, and the arrival of Danny Welbeck surely cements his place for a large majority of the season, with Giroud rumored out until the New Year. If successful, Welbeck can push himself into Arsenal’s No.1 striker spot.
How well will he do?
For Arsenal’s sake, Welbeck needs to hit the ground running, and he can do that with the midfield behind him, and trust of the manager. He knows the league, he knows the English core running through Arsenal; he should slot in perfectly. Arsenal have missed a player like Welbeck for a number of seasons, and Welbeck, likewise, has missed a team of players he can work with, and thrive off. By all accounts, it could represent a very good deal for both parties. There was a similar situation regarding Daniel Sturridge at Chelsea, who turned to Liverpool to kick-start his career, and be the number one striker there. Welbeck can do the same. Sturridge lacked the confidence and game-time from Chelsea, and only developed into the lethal striker that he is through the trust Liverpool had in him. He is now the focal point of Liverpool’s deadly counter-attacking football, with a footballing path similar to Danny Welbeck. Of course, it’s up to Welbeck to show everybody wrong, and announce himself as a top striker. But Arsenal needed Welbeck, and Welbeck needed Arsenal. There’s a lot to work with here. Welbeck can do very well.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 9
Work rate: 9
Link-up play: 8
Finishing: 6
Strength: 8
Current Value: £16m
Potential Value: If it works out: £25m +
Overall Rating: 7.5/10