Why Striker Is the Position Arsenal Must Use Danny Welbeck in When He Returns

Danny Welbeck could be forgiven for feeling sorry for himself. Having fought his way back from a 10-month lay-off to regain his place in the Arsenal and England teams, he was fit for a matter of a few months before injury claimed him again.

Welbeck is now facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines. If he needs something to help him keep his motivation high during his rehabilitation, he should focus on his future with the Gunners—and that should be as a centre-forward. 

Although Arsene Wenger loves versatility in his players, there is mounting evidence that being tactically accommodating can have a detrimental impact on a player’s career. Look at Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, perennially caught between being a winger and a central midfield player. The reality is that while he has potential in both positions, the uncertainty has contributed to his failure to flourish in either.

The same can be said of Theo Walcott. When the former Southampton man missed out on England’s Euro 2016 squad, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry cited his failure to nail down a regular role as a factor.

Henry told the Press Association (h/t Daily Mail): "I always have a mixed reaction, Theo Walcott has been in the game for 10 years, you should know about him. You always have something to prove, he should know what he can offer to a team. By now he should know what his position is, but it is not clear." 

The same accusation could be levelled at Welbeck. Part of the reason he would likely have made Roy Hodgson’s squad ahead of Walcott is that he can play a variety of different positions. Welbeck is a "Swiss Army Knife" type of player, capable of catering his game to a manager’s needs.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

That’s partially a consequence of his selflessness. Watch Welbeck play, and his team-orientated attitude is immediately obvious. He’s made no secret of where he would prefer to play.

When he first signed for Arsenal in September of 2014, he told the Sunday Times (h/t Sky Sports): "I prefer to play as a centre-forward. We’ll see (about his scoring rate) when I get my opportunity to do that. I've never had the opportunity to get a consistent run of games as No. 9 but have faith in my ability."

When some players are asked to play in a position they consider less than ideal, they can be prone to sulk. However, wherever he is deployed, Welbeck gives his all.

He chases back with all the vigour of a defensive player to support his team-mates and help protect the back four. He has boundless energy and seems content to use that in a way that helps the manager complete his tactical plan. It’s no wonder Wenger has grown so fond of the Englishman.

However, Welbeck’s willingness to be shunted around the pitch hasn't necessarily helped him become the goalscorer he aspires to be. There has probably been some benefit—it has improved his tactical awareness and link play.

Wenger believes that playing in wide positions can have a positive influence on a player’s technical development.

Asked about his decision to field Aaron Ramsey on the right wing in a game against Aston Villa, he said in his post-match press conference: "I think of course he is naturally more of a central midfielder and I pushed him out wide for a while because I believe we have seen many times that when players are pushed against the line they need to shorten their technique. When they come back into the middle again, they are better players." 

It worked for Thierry Henry, whose spell on the left flank helped him become the greatest striker in Arsenal’s history. Wenger clearly hoped the same transition would aid Walcott, while even Nicklas Bendtner occasionally found himself pushed out to the wing.

However, there comes a time when a player must decide when that period of learning is over and its time for them to graduate and return to a central role. Welbeck has arrived at that point—these two injuries have robbed him of a significant chunk of time. When he eventually returns, he needs to start making up for the football he’s missed. 

Technically, he has everything you need to make it as a centre-forward. He has a good first-touch and the intelligence and strength to hold the ball up and bring others into play. Unlike Olivier Giroud, he also has the explosive pace to run in-behind.

In some ways, Welbeck represents a fusion of the best qualities of Giroud and Walcott. Wenger told Arsenal's website: "I like him because he is a combination of pace and stature - he has a good mixture. When Danny Welbeck is determined he goes for it. He is ready for the fight. He has all the attributes to be up there."

There is considerable uncertainty over Arsenal’s striking situation this summer. Despite scoring 24 goals in 2015/16, Giroud also endured a 15-game barren spell in the Premier League that cast doubt over his suitability to be the starting centre-forward.

In the same period, Walcott did not fare much better. Prior to his injury, Welbeck actually looked the most convincing of Arsenal’s attacking options.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

His chance of being Arsenal’s centre-forward at the start of next season has been snatched away from him. However, when he eventually returns, he could have a major impact.

Last season, Welbeck’s dramatic goal against Leicester City briefly threatened to reignite Arsenal’s title challenge. He could make a similarly strong impression when he completes his rehabilitation in 2016/17.

That should be as a striker. Welbeck turns 26 in November—he has served his apprenticeship. Having been robbed of almost two years of football by a series of knee problems, he will doubtless return with even more hunger than ever.

It’s time for the desire that characterises Welbeck’s game to be focused on the more selfish pursuit of scoring goals. He has the potential, but it's time to deliver. 

For now, Welbeck must bide his time—but when he returns, he should be prepared to take centre-stage as an uncompromising centre-forward.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2016/17. Follow him on Twitter here.