Time for Danny Welbeck to step up to the plate

welbeck_2309578c
welbeck_2309578c

welbeck_2309578c

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck didn’t enjoy the best of times for the Premier League champions during the 2012/13 campaign.

Last season, the 22-year old scored just one goal in 27 Premier League games. Making 14 appearances from the bench, he averaged 48 minutes of playing time per match.

The biggest flaw in his game has been his inability to score many goals. At club level, he’s scored 19 in 104 games for Manchester United, but has 6 in 17 games for the England national team.

Upon watching him in action, it’s obvious why Welbeck fails to register on the scoresheet. While the England forward works very hard off the ball, and always makes himself available to receive the ball in advanced positions, he just doesn’t have a striker’s instinct to want to test the goalkeeper when a chance opens up for him.

He looks to pass than to shoot, which can go for him and against him. Being an unselfish player is, for the large part, a good trait to have, but as a forward, Welbeck needs to better his decision-making in the final third, rather than try to make another needless pass which more often than not gets intercepted.

Making 17 caps for England already, it’s clear the youngster will be a pivotal part for both club and country, which would mean it’s very important he can improve himself as a real goal threat.

Welbeck is very energetic, and always succeeds in finding space in the final third to receive the ball. However, when in these positions, very rarely does he attempt to get a shot away, but rather tries to fashion a chance for his teammates – despite very rarely making any assists.

The United man works hard, has quick feet, and is very tactically aware when under command. But as a forward, he needs to prove he can get among the goals on a regular basis or he may find future chances for club and country limited.

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