Why Danny Welbeck can have a huge impact for Arsenal and England

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It’s been a long, winding, injury-plagued path for Danny Welbeck, but the England and Arsenal starlet is finally almost back to full fitness. His return could be a big turning point in Arsenal’s season, as they continue to aim for the Premier League title, despite the wide gap between them and leaders Chelsea.

Welbeck offers a different option in attack to Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, but the England forward can also be utilised out wide – something we have seen be extremely successful at international level, alongside Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge. Welbeck offers a similar work rate to Alexis Sanchez and the same determination to get in behind and receive the ball, but he’s more powerful than the Chilean, and while he does not offer the same technical ability, he’s also an exquisite finisher.

Olivier Giroud provides the best aerial presence out of the three, but sometimes lacks pace to get in behind the top sides who play a high line. Welbeck offers the best of both worlds, in that he has the ability to get in behind, but is also more than adept in the air, as we saw during his brief return last season against, at the time, soon-to-be champions Leicester City.

Welbeck can provide a nice balance out wide, as well. His work ethic is second to none and is more than capable of beating a man before finding a target in the middle. It will be interesting to see how Wenger chooses to utilise one of his best attacking options.

The depth out wide in the likes of Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott, Lucas Perez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain means that there are plenty of options in attacking areas for Wenger. There have even been calls for a 4-4-2, but it is unlikely the French head coach will turn to this formation, especially with Mesut Özil in such good form behind the striker.

In recent international matches, England haven’t exactly been that direct while on the ball. Gareth Southgate will be glad to have Danny Welbeck in the fold, even if he doesn’t recall him straight away due to a lack of game time. Welbeck’s quality is unquestionable, and could help to provide a devastating front three with the likes of Theo Walcott and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

It is hard to recall Danny Welbeck having a bad game in an England shirt, even when his club form was lacking, he always seems to come up with the big moments for his country. There has been a lack of excitement up-front in the England camp this season.

However, Kane and Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe have been in scintillating form, while Andy Carroll does provide a different option. Out wide there are plenty of options for Southgate to test, especially with Michail Antonio playing as well as he is for West Ham.

However, if Southgate wants someone dependable, reliable and brave, Danny Welbeck is the man he is looking for. He is not scared of playing for the badge on the biggest stage of them all, whether that be for Arsenal or for England. His technique and runs have drawn comparisons with Thierry Henry, but Welbeck would admit himself that his progression to getting anywhere near that level has been hindered through injuries.

Henry himself has been one of Welbeck’s biggest fans, but the Englishman will be happy to avoid similar plaudits while trying to maintain some long-term fitness. He could prove to be pivotal in Arsenal’s season if he manages to stay fit, even if he only contributes off the bench for the most part.

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