Danny Welbeck: "No striker can score goals from the wings"

Danny Welbeck against Galatasaray

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck is on a high after his maiden hat-trick in the 4-1 UEFA Champions league win against Galatasaray. He is receiving the kind of attention that he never did in his time at Manchester United with some people likening him to the legendary Thierry Henry.

The 28 caps holder with England made the switch from Manchester to London on deadline day for a transfer fee in the range of £16 million.

Comparisons with Henry

The 24-year-old is quick to play down those comparisons though his similarities with the Frenchman’s conversion from a wing role to a striker, his pace and his finishing are hard to overlook.

“You can’t start making comparisons like that. Obviously Thierry Henry is someone I have looked up to ever since I started playing football," said Welbeck.

Can’t criticise my finishing

Often criticised for lacking composure in the box, the 2007-8 Manchester United Young Player of the Year says his finishing cannot be criticised because he has never been played as a frontman.

"Nobody can really criticise my finishing because they don't really see me playing in a forward position too often, but now I am getting into these positions I want to be sticking the ball in the back of the net. I am sure it's the same with every other striker.”

In a veiled dig at Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson and possibly Van Gaal who said “he was not up to the standard of Manchester United“ he claimed that a wing role is the reason for his less than impressive goal-tally.

"Obviously people can say I have not scored enough goals, but you stick the best strikers on the wing in a four-man midfield and see if they score goals.

"If you are getting goals and getting a run of games in your preferred position, your confidence is going to grow and performances are going to grow as well.

"That is something I am really looking forward to doing, building on those performances.”

Playing with Sanchez and Ozil behind you helps

Welbeck believes playing with playmakers of the calibre of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will only help him develop his talent.

"When I am playing with these sorts of players, they are looking to slip the ball in behind. I am always ready for that, looking to make the movement right and get in behind the defenders," he added.

"I am looking to build an understanding with the players and getting to know them better. It is good to play with this calibre of midfielders, they are only going to create chances."