The 35-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in August after scoring 13 Premier League goals last season. His move brought a seasoned forward into a squad containing numerous younger players, with head coach Xabi Alonso also able to call on Welbeck’s experience at several major English clubs.
Speaking to Chelsea's website, Welbeck explained that he does not view leadership as a role requiring a formal routine or constant instruction. Instead, he tries to make himself approachable so teammates feel comfortable asking for advice.
“Well, I have to embrace it. With my age, especially within the dressing room that I’m in now, there are a lot of younger players there,” Welbeck said.
“I’ve been through a lot of experiences, the good and the bad, and it’s only natural for me to pass on a lot of advice to the younger players; a lot of stuff they come to me with questions about.
“I’m embracing the role, and it’s not something where I have to think, ‘Oh, I’ve got to do this,’ or ‘I’ve got to do that.’ It’s just natural. I just like to help people.”
Welbeck’s career has taken him from Manchester United’s academy to first-team football at Old Trafford, followed by spells at Arsenal, Watford and Brighton. Those different environments have given him experience of both success and difficult periods, which he believes can help younger teammates navigate the demands of senior football.
His role is not necessarily about being the loudest voice in the dressing room. Rather, Welbeck wants players to know they can approach him when they need guidance, drawing on the example set by senior professionals he encountered earlier in his own career.
That experience could be useful at Chelsea, where a number of players are still establishing themselves at the highest level. Welbeck has also arrived with an understanding of the Premier League and the pressure that comes with playing for clubs expected to compete for major honours.
His contribution is not confined to advice, however. Welbeck remains an option in attack, and his early cup performances have offered evidence of his ability to contribute on the pitch as well as around the squad. He scored three goals in 163 minutes of EFL Cup action, including a brace against Leeds United, according to the report.
The striker has yet to score in his Premier League appearances for Chelsea, but his value to the club is not measured solely by goals. His experience, accessibility and willingness to help teammates are part of what Chelsea hoped to add when they brought him to Stamford Bridge.
Welbeck’s message is straightforward: he does not need to manufacture a leadership persona. He wants to be available when younger players need him, while continuing to contribute as a forward himself.