Welbeck: The Real Deal?

So after the last few weeks of Manchester United fans going on about how Welbeck wasn’t good enough for them and Arsenal paid over the odds, Danny Welbeck showed his potential with a great strikers hat-trick against Galatsaray.

Welbeck’s 3 goals show he has potential, but he has to carry on improving

He’s scored 4 goals since he started at Arsenal, so whilst the 3 in one goal is always good it should not blind Arsenal fans to the fact he struggles to score regularly. However in playing at Arsenal this will be the first time he has had a regular run out as a striker, not a wide midfielder.

We take a look at what could make him the real deal, but why he’ll have to carry on improving if he wants to not be a flash in the pan.

1. His Work Rate

Danny Welbeck is one of hardest working strikers in the English game, and it was down to that work rate that he scored the hat-track, and it is that which will continue to pay dividends at Arsenal. If he continues to work hard he will score because defenders will not be able to keep up with the striker at all times.

However he will also put pressure on himself because he wants to be at the top of the game constantly, and if he misses a few chances you can see him trying too hard. Against Manchester City you felt that he expected himself to score, yet he hasn’t got the same swagger that Henry used to bring to the game that can deal with that style of expectation.

I’m definitely not saying that a high work rate is bad but the Premier League has seen many a player that has tried too much in the hunt for goals, Diego Forlan being a great example. Obviously we have to weigh that up against the fact he has just scored a Champions League hat-trick, and in doing so became the 6th Englishman ever to do so.

2. Streaky

So whilst Van Gaal had complained that Welbeck didn’t score enough goals, we have seen that when he is played upfront he can score goals. His finishes last night really showed that he is a natural finisher when he’s relaxed, however he does seem to panic if he’s struggling in the match.

The final goal for the hat-trick last night was a wonderful finish. But he missed a similar goal chance in his debut and it when he misses one he does tend to miss a few. If he is set up with a couple of one-on-ones per match it’s likely he will score one, but I do think he is a streaky player.

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When he scores one he will score a few, but if he doesn’t I do worry that he’ll go a stretch of games without finding the net.

3. Regular Games

If he wants to prove himself he will need to play regular games, and no just when Giroud is injured. Welbeck should look to be Arsenal’s No.1 striker from now on and the only way he will prove that he deserves it is if he carries on scoring. I have absolutely no doubt the the time will come when Wenger will insist on playing him on the left just because someone has to, but if he keeps scoring when up top he will force Wenger’s hand.

I think Welbeck has a great chance to be Arsenal’s No.1 striker for a decent amount of time, but he does have to improve upon the fact he still looks like a hard working attacking midfielder, not a pure striker.

What do you think, Agree? Or think he’s just there until Giroud gets back?

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