Lukas Podolski has been mentioned a lot recently. Mainly in connection to a possible Draxler deal. Because that seems premature, let us focus on what Podolski still has to offer this season.
Podolski is a good player to have on the field and a great person to have around. Always has been and always will be. Furthermore, according to Arsène Wenger, he “is certainly one of the best finishers I have ever seen.” A sentiment that was also voiced by Steve Bould last season who said: “I’ve not seen many finishers as good as him – ever.” Even when turning to stats, you’ll only find yourself agreeing with that, as Podolski’s chance conversion was 33% last year (via the excellent Orbinho).
While all of that sounds fantastic , it also raises a question. Why doesn’t he play more often? Especially in a team like Arsenal, that creates chances en masse. A team that even fields a central striker whose main strength is to bring others into play?
For me personally, the answer is quite simple. It is also an answer that won’t sit too well with Podolski’s paradigm. There are simply better options than him in the squad. While I like and rate Podolski, with everyone fit, he wouldn’t be in my starting eleven. Even with injuries, like Walcott’s for instance, he probably wouldn’t start. But why is that? Of course, you might say he’s been injured for most of the season. True, but this particular trend already started last season.
Moreover, in my opinion, the signing of Özil hurt Podolski’s chances of proper game time even further. Firstly, it constantly pushes players like Cazorla and Wilshere out wide. And secondly, Wenger might want to avoid using two players in the midfield three who are renowned for drifting out of the game and going periods without any impact. If Özil does that on his own, it’s alright. You know he’ll come up with an ingenious pass in a second. Whether you are really able to afford two of those in a high intensity Premier League game, I’m not so sure.
It’s always a question of preference. Do you prefer players that are quick on their feet, who can change positions with ease and who can ping passes across the field – or do you prefer a player who will receive the ball 25 yards out and just smash it towards goal with 100mph. While that is clearly an exaggeration of the situation, it also sums up the situation.
Having said all that, I still believe Podolski is a vital member of this squad – but as a sub. Or super sub – as shown at West Ham. He’s a great and direct option when you find yourself chasing a game or when you are in desperate need of a goal. He’ll still get the occasional start, of course. But with most players fit, he might have to get used to that place on the bench. A fact that in no way is a criticism of the player, but rather a compliment to our talent and strength in depth in that department.
It has probably not helped his standing that he has limited himself to the wide left position. I’m sure Wenger would have hoped for a bigger impact in that central striker role – but it’s simply not happening for him there. He’s always been a 4-4-2 type of striker and unless we were to change formation, even if it’s late on in the game, it’s unlikely he would get more games in that position.
Where does all that leave Podolski long term? He still has a contract until 2016, but there are already rumours he might be ready to cut his stay at Arsenal short. His situation will not get any better – if anything, with the emergence of Serge Gnabry and more stellar signings on the horizon, it might get even worse. However, we, and Podolski himself, shouldn’t worry about that now. We are right in the middle of a title race and Podolski can and will help the team in that chase. Even if it’s from a bench. And even if it leads to more cases of him shaking his head in frustration.
