Friday, 21st November, 2014



Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is happy with Danny Welbeck's progress at the club, but stressed that the striker did not demand to play in a central position as a condition of his switch from Manchester United.

Welbeck swapped the Red Devils for the Gunners in the summer for £16m and has instantly hit the ground running, providing a genuine goal threat.




Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been criticised for selling Welbeck, but Wenger feels the Dutchman may not have had long enough with the England international to form a full view. Van Gaal also suggested that Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney have better goalscoring records, something Wenger accepts.

 


"Louis van Gaal didn't have him under his command for very long, so it's difficult to judge players", the Arsenal boss told a press conference.

"Welbeck is still a young player.

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"I can understand Van Gaal completely. What's important is that he gets an opportunity."

However, there is nothing set in stone which says Welbeck, a player Wenger admires, will always be played as a central striker.

"I always respected him and he has a great future. But he's gained more respect over the last few months.

"One reason we bought him was because he wanted to play. Playing centrally wasn't a condition."

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