Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has raved about the talents of Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, as the forward prepares to face his old club on Wednesday night.
Welbeck is now 35 years old but is on course to have the best season of his career in front of goal, having scored 10 times in the Premier League and 11 in all competitions.
The England international has never really been prolific, but is on course to beat his previous best of 12 in all competitions for Manchester United in 2011/12.
This campaign is not out of the blue as Welbeck netted 11 times last season and his form has led to calls for an England recall for the first time since 2018.
He will look to further his case for a World Cup call when Brighton host Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday, with Arteta knowing what to expect from his former teammate.
The pair played together with the Gunners and the Spaniard could hardly praise the England international more fulsomely.
‘As a person, top. So good in and around the dressing room with the players,’ Arteta said of the Seagulls striker.
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‘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.’
The Arsenal boss added: ‘I’m really happy with him. Obviously we were teammates. He’s an exceptional guy, a really professional guy. I’m very happy for him.
‘He had some difficult moments in his career, he really had to show his character and probably go against the odds.
‘[People said] “No, he cannot do it”, and he’s doing it and probably better than ever.’
An England World Cup call still feels unlikely, but there is a chance Thomas Tuchel could turn to the in-form striker as back-up to Harry Kane.
Arteta said of the possibility of the 42-cap forward adding to his tally: ‘I don’t know if he wants to be there, but if he [does] I will be very, very happy for him.’
Tuchel has said that Welbeck is in contention for a recall, thanks to his fine form this season.
Asked during an international break in November if Welbeck was considered for a return to the England squad, Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Yes, he was close.
‘I think it’s always an option because he’s a fantastic leader in Brighton and a very special player.
‘He’s scoring regularly and, yes, he was close. He’s not out of the picture. He’s in contention.
‘We see what he can bring and it was a close one. We decided for other options.’
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