Retour
Danny Welbeck’s move from Brighton to Chelsea was one of the most bizarre Premier League transfers of the summer window. Welbeck had just enjoyed his most prolific season, scoring 13 league goals, and was a fan favourite with the Seagulls.
No one expected the 35-year-old to leave the south coast, let alone for one of the ‘big six’ clubs. However, Xabi Alonso identified Welbeck as a quality backup striker and the perfect addition to Chelsea’s inexperienced dressing room.
Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Emiliano Martínez have significantly raised the average age of the Chelsea squad. They are viewed as leaders who can show the Blues’ young players what it takes to perform consistently at the highest level.
But what does a dressing room leader actually do? Welbeck has now explained the dynamic between himself and the Chelsea players who look up to him.
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While some leaders, such as John Terry, are vocal and demand more from their teammates, others like Frank Lampard prefer to lead by example. Danny Welbeck falls into the latter category; he is unlikely to scream and shout in the dressing room, but that does not mean he will not offer advice.
Welbeck has said he is one of Chelsea’s leaders, largely because of his age and experience, and often speaks to younger players. Rather than approaching them himself, he prides himself on being approachable and encourages players to ask him any questions they may have.
“Well, I have to embrace it,” Welbeck told Joel Beya when explaining his role at Chelsea. “With my age, especially within the dressing room that I’m in now, there are a lot of younger players there.
“I’ve been through a lot of experiences, the good and the bad, and it’s only natural for me to pass on a lot of advice to the younger players; a lot of stuff they come to me with questions about.
“I’m embracing the role, and it’s not something where I have to think, ‘Oh, I’ve got to do this,’ or ‘I’ve got to do that.’ It’s just natural. I just like to help people.”
Although Welbeck was signed for experience and leadership, his ability on the pitch should not be overlooked. The former England international remains an above-average Premier League striker and is arguably the league’s best backup forward.
Welbeck has yet to find the back of the net in five Premier League substitute appearances for Chelsea. However, he has scored three goals in just 163 minutes of EFL Cup action, including a second-half brace against Leeds in the third round.