---
title: "Where does Danny Welbeck fit in?"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2015/08/13/where-does-danny-welbeck-fit-in/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sam Baker"
section: "Features"
published: "2015-08-13T17:04:57Z"
modified: "2015-08-13T17:04:57Z"
---

# Where does Danny Welbeck fit in?

Danny Welbeck was signed towards the end of last summers’ transfer window. For months prior Arsenal fans across the country had been crying out for a new striker to be signed, one who could challenge Olivier Giroud for his place or at the very least, provide support so that the Frenchman would not get worn out. Danny Welbeck proved to be that man and was, in truth, an underwhelming signing, considering how much money was spent on him.

At first, Arsenal fans weren’t sure what to make of the Welbeck transfer. It was nice to have prised away a player from rivals Manchester United and it seemed that most fans of the Red Devils were unhappy to have lost a player of his ability. However, for a fee of £16m, eyebrows were raised. Considering Santi Cazorla had been signed for a similar fee and that only the likes of [Calum Chambers, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil](https://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/top-10-expensive-arsenal-signings-ft-danny-welbeck-reyes-football-daily-video/) had cost more, the price tag seemed as though Wenger had bought Welbeck out of panic rather than with a level head.

![Newcastle United v Arsenal - Premier League](https://media.readarsenal.com/readarsenal/2015/08/467154646.jpg)

During his first season with the Gunners, bar a UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Galatasaray, Welbeck did not really impress anyone. Scoring only [eight goals in thirty-four appearances](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/39308)was not a great return and emphasised the belief that his price tag had been too high. His performances even prompted Arsene Wenger to have to publicly [defend him](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/567899/Arsenal-Man-Utd-Welbeck-Wenger): *“Danny will improve—we don’t have to make a problem of that. We have to be patient with him”*. That being said, Welbeck has already won two FA Cups and the Community Shield with Arsenal, so his time in north London hasn’t been completely fruitless.

Next season has to be a big one for Welbeck – having been axed from Manchester United by former manager Louis Van Gaal for [not being good enough](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11247400/Louis-van-Gaal-says-Danny-Welbeck-was-good-enough-only-to-be-a-Manchester-United-substitute.html) and underperforming last season for Wenger, he needs to start repaying some of the faith that has been invested in him. With Arsenal still [reportedly on the look out](https://readarsenal.com/2015/08/11/arsenal-back-in-for-cavani/) for another striker to lead the line, now should be the time that Danny presses his claim for a starting role. Unfortunately, I don’t think his future will lie in the central striker role. He seems far more comfortable playing on the wing, and in truth, has all the attributes to be successful there. He is quick, strong and works as hard as anyone on the pitch, which all mean that Welbeck could be more benefitial to the team on the wing.

![Barclays Asia Trophy](https://media.readarsenal.com/readarsenal/2015/08/480787720.jpg)

With very few left-wingers available to support Sanchez, this could be the position where Welbeck shines the brightest. As we saw last season, the Chilean was overplayed and showed symptoms of wear towards the end of the season. The England international would be able to provide cover off of the bench or starting in the less important games, meaning that Alexis would get more rest between appearances.

Welbeck will never be a starter; he simply isn’t good enough. However, if utilised as a designated squad player, he could flourish. Look at Ramires for Chelsea, he plays in a different role, but he is one of their most valuable players because he will play anywhere in the squad and can be relied upon to do a job even though he is not guaranteed a starting role. If Welbeck can overcome his stubbornness and agree to play wherever he is needed, he could become one of the most important players in the Arsenal squad.

![Manchester United v Arsenal - FA Cup Quarter Final](https://media.readarsenal.com/readarsenal/2015/08/465701662.jpg)