Photo by May JAMES / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by May JAMES / AFP via Getty Images
There were some raised eyebrows when Chelsea completed a move to sign Danny Welbeck, although he has proven his impact will spread beyond just scoring goals on the pitch.
The Blues have looked to address the distinct lack of experience in the first team squad for Xabi Alonso, and Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are great candidates for that.
Welbeck started up front in Chelsea’s last friendly against Juventus, with Joao Pedro playing behind him after Cole Palmer suffered a slight injury.
Danny Welbeck’s impact at Chelsea is already clear
While he didn’t score, the England international played a key role, particularly for youngster Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli in his first start for the club.
The 16-year-old is highly-rated at Chelsea, however showed a moment of frustration when he misplaced a pass in the first half against Juventus earlier this week.
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Photo by May JAMES / AFP via Getty Images
After letting his head drop, it was Welbeck who was first to react, applauding loudly and offering encouragement to the teenager instead.
This had a lasting impact on his performance. Nicoll-Jazuli was one of the standout performers for Chelsea in their defeat to Juventus.
It remains to be seen how much of a role Welbeck will have on the pitch. His goal numbers from last season at Brighton suggests there is still life in the striker.
He played a key role in helping develop Pedro when he was at the Amex, and the Brazilian is really excited to work alongside him too.
This could be a big season for some of the youngsters at Stamford Bridge though, and having a positive, experienced figure alongside them in the trenches will only help them in making an instant impact.
Alonso has singled out Nicoll-Jazuli for praise during the pre-season tour, and has been lauded by players like Palmer for how he has settled into life amongst the first team.
Welbeck, alongside Henderson, will play a key role in bringing the best out of them, and the striker has already shown he is prepared to do that at Stamford Bridge next season.