Mikel Arteta Hails Danny Welbeck as ‘Top Player’ Who ‘Has Everything’ Ahead of Brighton Clash

Mikel Arteta praise former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck as a “top player” who has everything ahead of Brighton reunion.

Mikel Arteta has delivered glowing praise for former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Brighton, describing the veteran striker as a “top player” who “has everything” required to thrive as a number nine.

The Arsenal manager, who shared a dressing room with Welbeck during their time at the Emirates, spoke warmly about his former teammate in his pre-match press conference, highlighting both his technical quality and his character off the pitch.

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Arteta made it clear that his admiration extends beyond nostalgia.

“As a person, top. So good in and around the dressing room with the players,” Arteta said. “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 comments underline Arteta’s belief that Welbeck possesses the complete skillset required of a modern striker — mobility, technical sharpness, and composure in the box.

A Late-Career Renaissance at Brighton

Welbeck joined Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014 and made over 100 appearances in red and white before departing in 2019. Injuries limited his consistency in north London, but his move to Brighton in 2020 sparked a remarkable resurgence.

Now 35, he is enjoying one of the strongest seasons of his Premier League career. He has featured in nearly every league match this campaign and reached double figures in goals, matching his career-best return in the competition.

His form earned him a contract extension through 2027 and even prompted discussion about a potential late international recall.

Arteta emphasised that Welbeck’s journey is as impressive as his current form.

“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.”

Resilience is a trait Arteta values highly within his own squad, and Welbeck’s ability to overcome setbacks clearly resonates with the Arsenal manager.

Crucial Reunion in the Title Race

The reunion at the Amex Stadium arrives at a pivotal stage of the season. Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and are determined to maintain control of the title race.

Brighton, meanwhile, will look to Welbeck’s experience and scoring momentum to unsettle the league leaders. The striker has found the net in his last two outings and could start against his former club.

While Arteta’s admiration is clear, sentiment will not influence the objective. Arsenal need three points — and the manager will hope his “top player” does not demonstrate quite everything on the night.

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