Danny Welbeck: Brighton's FA Cup hero enjoying career renaissance

Brighton's FA Cup hero Danny Welbeck said, "Thank you to my parents for giving me good genes." The 34-year-old veteran helped Brighton successfully advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, a significant turnaround from five years ago when his career seemed to be declining. This achievement highlights his resilience and dedication to the sport.

In the 2019-20 season, Welbeck made 18 appearances for Watford in their Premier League relegation season, scoring only two goals, making it difficult to imagine such a glorious moment in his future. After the transfer window closed in October 2020, the former England international left Watford as a free agent and joined Brighton. His move to Brighton provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to revitalize his career.

The signing did not seem like Brighton's style at the time: a 29-year-old, injury-prone striker, was he just a temporary transitional figure? However, the two-time FA Cup winner (Arsenal) has excelled in Sussex, with his recent goal being the icing on the cake. In the FA Cup fifth-round match against Newcastle, he received a pass from Solly March in extra time and cleverly chipped the ball from a narrow angle, breaking through Martin Dúbravka's fingers and changing the score to 2-1. This goal showcased his technical skill and composure under pressure.

This is already his eighth goal of the season, second only to his two seasons at Manchester United and one at Arsenal. He is four goals away from his record of 12 goals set at Manchester United in the 2011-12 season. His former Manchester United and England teammate Wayne Rooney said on BBC One: "It feels great to play with Danny. If I'm honest, I'd like to see him back at Manchester United." Rooney's comments reflect the high regard in which Welbeck is held by his peers.

Welbeck was born in Manchester to parents from Ghana. He came from Manchester United's youth academy, making 142 appearances for the club and scoring 29 goals. His loan spells at Preston and Sunderland were both cut short due to injuries. After playing for the club from the age of 8 to 23, he transferred to Arsenal for £16 million, while Manchester United loaned Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. His upbringing and early career experiences shaped him into the player he is today.

Injuries have also plagued his career at Arsenal, where he made 126 appearances in five years, scoring 32 goals. He missed the 2015 FA Cup final and then missed eight months due to injury in 2016, missing the opportunity to participate in the 2016 European Championship. His last game for the club was in November 2018, when he fractured his ankle. In the following season, he only participated in half of Watford's games, and the team was eventually relegated. These setbacks tested his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Then he transferred to Brighton. Considering that both Manchester United and Arsenal are struggling for goal-scoring strikers, they may both wish they still had Welbeck. In his first four seasons with Brighton, Welbeck scored 26 goals, and this season he has already scored 8 goals in 25 games. Among these 8 goals, there are some very crucial goals. He scored a goal in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United in August, scored two winning goals at St. James' Park this season, and also scored winning goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth. His contributions have been vital to Brighton's success.

"It's great to score the winning goal," he said after the cup victory over Newcastle, where he came on as a substitute in the 80th minute. "I feel very good, feel healthy, and feel strong. Thank you to my parents for giving me good genes." He added: "When you're on the bench, you have to analyze the game and see where you can play a role, and that's what we did today." His positive attitude and willingness to contribute in any way possible are commendable.

It may seem a bit fanciful, but some people are wondering if Welbeck's excellent form can earn him a return to the national team. Welbeck has made 42 appearances for England, scoring 16 goals, and made his debut in 2011 against Ghana (his parents' country). He scored against Sweden at Euro 2012 and participated in two World Cups. But his last appearance for the national team was in 2018, when he was still playing for Arsenal. A return to the national team would be a fitting reward for his recent performances.

New England coach Thomas Tuchel is about to announce his first squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler was asked about this in a post-match interview with ITV. "You have a great coach, Thomas Tuchel, so he will make the decision," said Tuchel's German compatriot. "It might be possible, but it's not my decision. I can only say that I'm happy to work with him, he's a great leader, a great role model and a great player. Ultimately, this goal definitely helped us win, but overall, when he comes on, he works very hard." Hürzeler's praise highlights Welbeck's value to the team both on and off the field.