Article
Danny Welbeck: From A Manchester City Reject To An Unsung Hero At United
Manchester City may rue the day that they overlooked young Danny Welbeck as a potential player for their youth academy.
“City custard-pied me as a kid,” said Welbeck when describing his rejection from the Manchester club as an eight-year old. The lifelong Red Devils fan worked harder after the rejection, and was scouted by Manchester United in a tournament a week later, playing for his local side Fletcher Moss.
Welbeck – The unsung hero
Welbeck, born and raised in Manchester, of Ghanaian descent, found himself discovering his love for the game at Markfield Avenue in Longsight, a small town approximately four miles away from Old Trafford. Welbeck was academically gifted as a youth, obtaining 12 GSCEs and could have went on to become a successful university student – but his drive and motivation to become a professional footballer, put those academic dreams on hold. He was often found playing on the streets with former United player Wes Brown and his brothers, who coincidentally were his neighbours. Welbeck’s parents Victor and Elizabeth, who emigrated from Ghana in the 1970’s, have watched their son develop into one of United’s invaluable players this season.
22-year old Welbeck hasn’t always found his United career enjoyable, and needed time on loan to fine-tune his raw talent. In 2010, Welbeck joined Preston North End, where the Englishman scored two goals in eight appearances. Unfortunately for the Mancunian, his loan spell ended before it really began, as he was sidelined due to a swollen knee injury.
It was Welbeck’s successful loan spell at Sunderland in 2010/2011, where the Englishman came to life, scoring six Premier League goals, in 26 appearances – most notably his goal in a 3-0 mauling of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Welbeck speaks highly about his time with the Black Cats, as he believes that it enhanced his development as a player.
“I went to Sunderland as a boy and I came back a man,” Welbeck said.
“It was beneficial to me and like a stepping stone in my career. It allowed me to come back to United a bigger and better person,” he said.
Scoring goals has been a key element towards Manchester United claiming their 20th Premier League title. United currently lead the league in goals scored, with 79, failing to score in only two games. The signing of Robin Van Persie in the summer has been key in United’s successful attempt to grasp the title from their noisy neighbours, as the Dutch striker has scored 25 league goals. 19 different players have contributed to Manchester United’s 79 goals this season, which is a Premier League record.
Welbeck is one of the 19 men that have scored for United this season, but has failed to find the back of the net as often as he’d like too. Last season the English striker netted nine Premier League goals, forming a devastating partnership on the club and international stage with teammate Wayne Rooney. Welbeck led the line for England in Euro 2012 last summer; where he had a decent tournament, producing a sublime finish against Sweden, in which the Three Lions were victorious. The future looked bright for the English striker, as it was certain that he would be a permanent starter for United this season.
Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, the arrival of Van Persie has forced United to shuffle the pack, which has seen Rooney drop in the hole behind the Dutch striker, while Javier Hernandez and Welbeck have made minimal appearances. It was evident that the introduction of Van Persie would stall the development of these two young strikers, and many tabloid papers speculated Welbeck’s departure away from Old Trafford this season, on loan to Reading. Although Welbeck’s minutes have been cut, the English striker has improved his all-around game over the past 12 months, and should play an integral role in United’s quest to become one of the top sides in European football.
Welbeck has been given a different role this season, as he rarely featured as United’s main striker. The Englishman has shown his versatility in United’s 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 system, as Welbeck can play on both flanks and occasionally in the hole behind Van Persie. Welbeck would be every managers dream player, based on his ability to fulfill any duty that Sir Alex Ferguson has instructed him to complete this season. The Englishman possesses pace, power and the technical ability to succeed as a striker, and most recently we’ve been able to witness his tactical acumen of the game.
The Englishman’s standout performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League, allowed Welbeck to showcase his tactical cognizance to the world. Welbeck started on the left hand side in the first leg, and defensively he didn’t have much work to do, as Alvaro Arbeloa rarely surged forward. The Englishman did possess a threat on the counter attack with his pace, and he scored United’s all-important away goal from a corner kick.
In the second leg, Welbeck was assigned a different job, as he was instructed to close down Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso. Many questioned Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision in selecting Welbeck over Rooney in a monumental Champions League tie, and the United boss had this to say pre-match,
“Xabi Alonso controls the game for Real Madrid…[tracking back] Danny Welbeck is the best at that in our team, plus he can work from there to support Robin van Persie,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson may not be known for his tactical shrewdness, but his decision to drop Rooney was wise. In the first leg, Rooney did a poor job in tracking Fabio Coentrao, who bombed past Rooney on several occasions and in the quarter-finals against Italy at Euro 2012, he allowed Pirlo to dominate the game. Rooney failed to pick up the Italian playmaker, as he did against Sergio Busquets in the 2011 Champions League final. Pirlo on the night completed more passes than the entire English midfield, while Rooney left United outnumbered in midfield against Barcelona.
Rooney couldn’t be trusted to fulfill his defensive duties, and Welbeck rose to the occasion in a fine matter. Welbeck nullified Alonso, preventing him from playing long diagonals and forward passes.
The Englishman also troubled Madrid going forward as he often ran past Alonso and connected with Van Persie – unfortunately for United, Welbeck was unable to beat Diego Lopez.
According to whoscored.com, Welbeck possesses an 86.4% pass completion rate, the highest of any striker in the Premier League – higher than English colleagues Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere. Statistically, the United player has been superb when given the opportunity to play, as he’s improved his all-around game. Modern day football has advanced, and attacking players need to be able to provide more than just goals. It may be overlooked, but Welbeck merits his position as United’s third choice striker based on his versatility. The Englishman has the ability to win key aerial duels, but also beat defenders with his pace, which explains why Ferguson trusts Welbeck to play in different positions across the pitch.
As stated earlier, Welbeck’s passing is efficient; especially around the final third and his ability to win tackles on the defensive end has been a positive for United.
Ferguson has played the 22-year-old striker in some of United’s big games this season, specifically, away to Newcastle, Tottenham and Real Madrid, and home to Manchester City and Liverpool. Welbeck has the skill set and tactical awareness to play in these monumental matches and Ferguson now trusts Welbeck to successfully complete his job.
Many may question Ferguson’s decision to include Welbeck in the squad because he’s clumsy on the ball and his erratic finishing, but the young Englishman is still maturing into a top-class player. Despite his dismal goal-scoring return, Ferguson stated that Welbeck’s goal drought hasn’t left him concerned.
“It’s a fantastic asset when you have a player who is as adaptable as that. But I think he will find his role through the middle once he gets that maturity and gets into a more consistent way of scoring,” Ferguson said.
“Maybe he doesn’t appreciate us moving him around in various positions and we’ve maybe overused that because he is young, but his value to the club is there because I know he can do a job for me in any of those positions,” he said.
Welbeck’s growth over the past year has been impressive, as the Englishman has become one of United’s top players. In Ferguson’s system, Welbeck can play as an energetic winger, in the hole to disrupt deep-lying playmakers, or as a central striker that holds off defenders and allows his team to join the play. The ability and the tactical awareness he possesses may one day see him become the top striker for club and country. Welbeck has yet to play his best football for United and his place in the squad is indispensable – it’s scary that he’s only 22.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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