Danny Welbeck - Footballer
season in the Champions League), huge rate. There was only one in the league last season, supplemented by others in Europe and for England, but David Moyes will undoubtedly be looking for more this year. Early indicators are good, with Welbeck grabbing two away to Swansea in a 4-1 win on the opening day of the season, and adding goals to his game will be a huge bonus for Moyes, not to mention Manchester United and the man himself. While Welbeck’s natural position is as a central striker, the presence and ability of other players at the club, especially with Robin van Persie currently, means that he has been asked to play wide and had to shift positions regularly. There is nothing to suggest that won’t change, but so much depends on the system being played. In a different formation, under a different manager with England, Welbeck’s goal-scoring has been excellent. Six goals in 17 games (not all starts) is a great return at international level, and with no England striker really standing out as a clear contender, Welbeck sits right at the front of the queue. Depending on the position Rooney is deployed in, there is space for another, more conventional striker for England. Among Andy Carroll, Rickie Lambert, Jermaine Defoe, Darren Bent and Daniel Sturridge, you’d punt for Sturridge and Welbeck leading that list. Since his brace in south Wales, a
number of United team mates have come out praising Welbeck and his role within the team on the pitch and squad member off it. The likes of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans were among those picking out the striker for particular praise and warning opponents of what they have seen over the summer and the development he’s made to his game. Centre forward play, and especially and right now Welbeck’s is brimming. It is understandable that van
Persie will continue to occupy the central striking role at Old Trafford, but it is up to Welbeck to provide the support role, whether it be from a wide position or not, because if the club are to retain the Premier League title, and compete in the Champions League, also, then they cannot rely on the Dutchman’s goals alone. Moyes is very lucky to have a player of Welbeck’s qualities in his squad, knowing full well the versatility he has in his game, combined with a healthy work ethic. If Moyes puts his faith in the striker he could be rewarded handsomely.
HEAD TO HEAD
QuickQ&A
How was the pre-season tour in Asia? Do you enjoy travelling the world with the side? Yeah, obviously it’s good to tour different countries and experience different cultures. I really loved Asia as a place and obviously we went to Australia as well. I really liked Sydney, that was my favourite, and they’re all places I’d like to visit again.
We’re assuming the aim is to win the title again (and more), do you have any personal targets for the season? Personal targets are to score more goals and properly cement myself in the starting 11. I just really want to win trophies and medals with United - that will always be the main
aim as an individual or as a team.
yourself thinking about the World Cup next year? Are you getting excited yet? Obviously you think about it. You know that it’s there at the end of the season, so it’s there in the back of your the most important thing is the next game – and that’s not just for England, but for Manchester United as well. So, like I said, it’s in the back of your mind, but you don’t want to focus too far ahead because then you’ll lose sight of actually getting
And it’ll be in Brazil, just like the Confederations Cup – did you watch it? Any players impress you in particular? I didn’t watch all the games but I saw quite a few, the Brazil games in particular. Neymar was pulling out all
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt through playing the game professionally? The main thing would be appreciating that hard work gets you places. You can have talent but if you don’t put the work in you’ll never
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