Arsene Wenger Opens Up on Danny Welbeck and Thierry Henry Comparisons

Arsene Wenger believes Thierry Henry is a "good act to follow" for Danny Welbeck, who recently netted his first goal since joining the Gunners from Manchester United this summer.

Wenger played a major role in Henry becoming one of the world's most prolific goalscorers, despite the striker's inability to find his best position during his prior spell at Juventus. Welbeck suffered the same fate at United—being pushed out wide when he is more naturally suited to a central role—meaning comparisons to Arsenal's 228-goal hero are obvious.

The manager believes it is too early to consider Welbeck on Henry's level but suggested the French forward is an excellent role model, as reported by Kevin Palmer of ESPN FC:

"

Look, give me some time, it is a bit early to say that when you look at the number of goals Thierry Henry scored. I think Danny has an interesting potential and let's see how he develops.

He has a good mentality, good physical potential, technical potential and he contributes to our team play because he doesn't lose the ball and those are important qualities. Thierry is a good act to follow. I have nothing against it.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Henry played a leading role in defining Arsenal's style of play between 1999-2007. He won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a duo of Community Shields while in north London, where he is most famous for being part of the 03-04 "Invincibles."

While both Henry and Welbeck's route to Wenger was similar, they should be considered different types of player. Henry was an expert with possession at his feet and could blast beyond defences with his pace and power. He would drift out to the left before cutting inside to find the net, an almost patented move during his Highbury and Emirates days.

Welbeck's explosive speed isn't matched by such confident control, and he is more likely to score from close range than outside of the area. Unlike Henry, he is a constant threat in the air and should be expected to nod home plenty of goals if Arsenal can supply him with pinpoint crosses. Welbeck floats to the flanks with less attacking intent, but he is excellent at providing his team with additional support all over the pitch.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The Englishman's performance against Aston Villa highlighted why he is best suited to remaining central. Welbeck was able to hold the ball up or drop deep when needed, while playing with his back to goal also provided the striker with time to turn and pass before advancing forward. He did this excellently for Mesut Ozil's goal before capitalising on a simple chance to notch his first strike for the Gunners.

Football writer Iain Macintosh believes the performance came at the right time for both players:

Wenger knows Welbeck needs to improve on his finishing skills after missing key chances against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, however. "He rushed a bit his finishing until now because he didn't score," said the boss, per Palmer. "It is more a nervous problem maybe. In training he scores goals like a real striker."

Welbeck has the ability to be a key player for Arsenal this season. United fans will surely miss his natural industry and tactical awareness, despite Radamel Falcao heading to Old Trafford as his replacement. Wenger is the right manager to develop Welbeck's lethal streak and is already utilising the 23-year-old in a role which suits his game.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

If a comparison is to be made between Henry and Welbeck, it's that Wenger has provided the conditions for their best attributes to be fully valued. Arsenal fans will have already experienced frustration and happiness toward the latter, whose performances will always remain honest.

Welbeck has already become a useful cog in an Arsenal attack that is lacking an elite-level goalscorer, an omission which has largely been true since Henry moved on seven years ago. Wenger can whip his new signing into consistent goalscoring shape, but he will never indulge comparisons between Welbeck and a player who is immortalised by statue outside the Emirates.