Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck.
The England international spent five years as a Gunner, two of which were when Arteta was the captain of the club.
Welbeck was always a popular member of the Arsenal squad. Now, ahead of the game against Brighton and Hove Albion, Arteta has revealed what made him so special.
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Mikel Arteta hails former Arsenal teammate Danny Welbeck
Arsenal signed Danny Welbeck from Manchester United in a surprise deal in the summer of 2014.
Nobody really expected the Gunners and the Red Devils to be doing business again so soon after the Robin van Persie transfer saga, but Arsene Wenger made the call and got it done.
Welbeck had a few great moments at Arsenal. His hat-trick against Galatasaray was special, while his winner against Leicester City convinced every fan that they were going to win the Premier League that season.
However, a lot of Welbeck’s Arsenal career was spent on the sidelines because of injuries. Mikel Arteta watched him at the time, and he was impressed with his attitude despite his own difficulties.
Furthermore, the Gunners boss loved his profile as a centre-forward.
Arteta said in his press conference, as per the Evening Standard: “As a person, top.
“So good in and around the dressing room with the players. Whether he was a starter or a finisher, when he had some long-term injuries as well, always a really positive person around the place.
“As a nine, I think he has everything. He can hold the ball up, he can run in behind, technically very, very good. He can finish actions in the box in different ways. Top player!”
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Danny Welbeck left Arsenal for free
Welbeck spent five years at Arsenal, and injuries troubled him consistently.
The Englishman missed a total of 146 games for club and country in that period, and he wasn’t able to play a single game in his final six months at a Gunner either.
At the end of the 2018/19 season, Unai Emery and Arsenal decided not to extend Welbeck’s contract and released him. He joined Watford on a free transfer in that window.
After a decent spell there, the striker moved to Brighton, where he has been incredible over the last two seasons.
On Wednesday night, Welbeck will face Arsenal, and Arteta will be hoping that he has a quiet evening.
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