Sussex

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Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall was full of praise for Danny Welbeck's resurgence after he inspired the Seagulls to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.

The striker has now scored four in his past three games, including doubles against Chelsea and Newcastle, with his sharpness in front of goal matched by an intensity and experience that have become vital to Fabian Hurzeler's side.

"Like a good wine, he's maturing with age," Aspinall said told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"He sets standards on and off the pitch and his all-round game is getting better. I don't know what he's doing with his recovery, but it's working. That's for sure."

Welbeck's work ethic and leadership also drew admiration from team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, who highlighted the example he sets for others in the squad.

"Incredible, not only his goals, but his work rate," Van Hecke said.

"Everyone knows that when you play for us, you have to work really hard as we don't have the superstars here. But when you see Danny setting the example, all the boys will follow him and are really happy with him."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

This week's episode of Albion Unlimited features a chat with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke while former Seagulls winger Kazenga LuaLua brings some nostalgia.

There's also analysis of Amario Cozier-Duberry's progress on loan at League One Bolton, plus a preview of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

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We asked you where Danny Welbeck ranks in Brighton signings during the Premier League era.

Here are some of your comments:

Bill: Danny has consistently shown a superb attitude both in the dressing room and on the training and playing fields. He is a high-class striker and I am sure his example is of benefit to all Seagulls players.

Edward: A great role model for younger footballers. An incredible piece of work by Brighton.

Clive: Welbeck has to be up there with the all time Brighton greats, but I also think he is now better as a second-half super sub.

Tony: Brilliant signing. I had my doubts at the start but what a great player Welbeck is. Has got better with age like a good wine. I hope he is offered an extension to his existing contract. A true legend in the making.

Jack: Yes, Danny is easily one of the best players we've signed. Getting him for free was a great piece of business as he's now our top scorer in the Premier League and he's been a great player to have in and around the squad.

Colin: The best free transfer we've ever had.

David: Danny is playing out of his skin and we are SO LUCKY to have him playing for us.

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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The traditional anniversary gift for five years is wood, symbolising the strength, stability and deep roots of a long-lasting and successful marriage.

This symbolism perfectly sums up the relationship between Danny Welbeck and Brighton, which passed the five-year mark at the weekend.

Welbeck celebrated the occasion in perfect style with a double, as the Albion saw off Newcastle United 2-1 at Amex Stadium.

Cast your mind back to October 2020 and plenty of eyebrows were raised when Brighton signed Welbeck on a free transfer, following his release by Watford.

Too old, too injury-prone, a panic signing after the transfer window had shut. The latter was said because Albion had left themselves in a position whereby Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly were their only two options at centre-forward.

How many people would have dared predict Welbeck would still be a Brighton player half a decade on? Let alone the club's record Premier League goalscorer.

He is up there with Pascal Gross as the best value-for-money signing the club have made since promotion to the top flight in 2017, and has now played more games and netted more goals for Albion than any of his other clubs.

Football fans outside of Sussex may associate him with Manchester United, Arsenal or England more than Brighton, but it is on the south coast where his best and most consistent form has come.

The goals Welbeck bagged against the Toon Army came from two strikes of the highest class.

His first saw him coolly dink over Nick Pope. His second was a powerful drive with unerring accuracy, after showing quick reactions to latch onto Mats Wieffer's blocked shot.

Plenty of clubs would pay many, many millions of pounds for a striker with the finishing ability of Welbeck. Brighton forked out nothing.

Here is to the next five years - because it really would not be a surprise to see Welbeck still rattling in goals for the Albion approaching his 40th birthday on the 10th anniversary of his signing.

Where does Welbeck rank in Brighton signings during the Premier League era?

Tell us what you think here

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck joined BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club to reflect on his career and share how he maintains his fitness as a 34-year-old playing in the Premier League.

"I know my body," he said. "You learn your body and know what can put you in the best position.

"We have incredible facilities at Brighton and they are on hand for you. Everyone has the opportunity to recover in the right way."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds