Sport
Danny Welbeck would still start for both Arsenal and Manchester United
Just as he did back in October, Danny Welbeck decided a match at St James’ Park on Sunday. He delivered the knockout blow that sent Newcastle United out of the FA Cup and Brighton into the quarter-finals. He was only on the pitch for 30 minutes, but that was enough for Welbeck to make an impact.
Welbeck has been making an impact all season long for Brighton. The 34-year-old has eight goals in all competitions despite playing just 1,500 minutes. Joao Pedro might be ahead of Welbeck in Fabian Hurzeler’s forward pecking order, but the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is still contributing in a major way.
The way he’s playing, Welbeck would walk into the Arsenal or United team right now. The former is in the midst of an injury crisis that has sidelined most of their attacking players while the latter are struggling for any sort of consistent output from the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Welbeck would improve either.
He could also improve the England squad with Thomas Tuchel set to name his first selection as Three Lions boss later this month. Welbeck might not be a starter for the national team, but his skill set would give them something different. Tuchel might be able to get the best out of the 34-year-old just like Hurzeler is at club level.
“You have a good coach, Thomas Tuchel, so he will make the decision,” said the Brighton manager when asked about the prospect of Welbeck playing for England after his winner against Newcastle. “It might be possible but it is not my decision. The only thing I can say is I am happy to work with him, he is a great leader, great role model and a great player. In the end, the goal for sure gives us the win but in general he worked hard when he comes into the match.”
Throughout his career, Welbeck has been denied the credit he deserves. His all-round game is as good as that of any centre forward’s in the Premier League right now. He brings others into attacks, has the technical ability to create for himself and is direct with his running in behind opposition backlines.
Manchester United should never have let Welbeck leave. They have lacked an attacking focal point in his mould ever since. Arsenal’s decision to move on Welbeck also warrants scrutiny such is their attacking futility at the moment, although this will surely improve once forwards start to return from injury.
It’s therefore no surprise that Hurzeler has taken to Welbeck as an important member of his Brighton team that plays a modern, dynamic style of football. The 34-year-old can’t play 90 minutes every week any more, but he clearly still has plenty to offer a side on an upward trajectory under their current manager.
Not only are Brighton through to the last eight of the FA Cup, they are firmly in the hunt for European qualification in the Premier League. It might be a stretch for the Seagulls to finish in the top five and make the Champions League, but Hurzeler’s team are a solid bet to be in continental competition next season.
Welbeck will be another year older by then, but there’s no sign of the 34-year-old declining in terms of what he has to offer Brighton. His clever finish against Newcastle United on Sunday proved this. There will undoubtedly be more moments like that from the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward before he eventually calls it a day. That day, however, is still some way off.
