Arsenal: Danny Welbeck’s limitations were learned, and that’s fine

He may have had a productive season for Arsenal, but Danny Welbeck’s limitations were learned. But, actually, that’s absolutely fine because he still has a role to play.

There have been many players who have come through youth ranks at different clubs with great expectations, only to fall foul because of those very expectations when they graduate into the senior game. There are numerous examples at Arsenal alone.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

Because the talent is such, the hopes of the fans are ballooned to levels that become unattainable. It’s almost as if whatever that player amounts to in his career will fall short of what is anticipated of him when he is first breaking into the squad.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

One such instance in the current team is Danny Welbeck. Bursting onto the scene at Manchester United, the Sir Alex Ferguson prodigy was seen as the club’s, and England’s, future centre-forward. He was, as they seemingly always say, the next big thing. And yet, when Ferguson departed and Louis van Gaal arrived, Welbeck found himself slipping out of the limelight and ultimately all the way down the M6 and to north London.

Upon his arrival at Arsenal, it was not quite sure what role he would fulfil. Would he finally be afforded the chance to be the leading striker for a top team? Would he be playing second fiddle to Olivier Giroud? Would he be the versatile piece that he had been at Old Trafford? Well, it may have taken four years to find out, but, I believe, this year, Welbeck’s limitations were finally confirmed.

Before the year started and after a scintillating performance in the FA Cup final, some perhaps still hoped that Welbeck could be the 30-plus-goal-a-season striker that was initially expected of his career. I do not believe that there are many that still hold such a stance after this season, however.

But that is not to say that Welbeck has had a poor year. 10 goals and two assists in all competitions is nothing to be scoffed at, especially considering he only just topped 2000 minutes for the season. He was integral to a series of crucial victories in the Europa League, especially away against Milan, and his versatility and industry in big games were invaluable.

Simply, Welbeck’s limitations have been confirmed. His finishing is extremely inconsistent at best and downright disastrous at worst; he lacks the fitness and health record to be a reliable option to lead the line; his touch is a little loose at times, often bundling his way through matches, rather than showing technical quality and composure.

Next: Arsenal: Player ratings from 2017/18 season

Last season confirmed Welbeck’s role. And that is perfectly fine. Ferguson loved him in certain scenarios. Wenger learned to love him in certain scenarios. Now Unai Emery must do the same. He may not be what many expected, but that does not mean that he does not have a part to play.