Written by Mean Lean
on
Monday, 30 April 2012 00:00
Just how important to FC Klon was Lukas Podolski?
Of course Lukas plays a very significant role in our team. Not only because of his experiences having played in nearly 100 international matches and over 200 national matches but also his emotional tie with the city, the club, and its fans. Those factors make him so important for his team and the entire club. His various goals and skills are a case sui generis and essential.
What would you say are his best attributes?
His best attributes are speed, vitality, a perfect shooting technique, and his accurate passing game. He can read the game and instantly react to any game situation. Moreover, Lukas requires only a few chances for scoring. He is always able to score a goal and his opponents can never keep him completely ineffective for 90 minutes.
He has played both on the left or as a central striker, which position he is most effective in and why?
I think that Lukas made his best matches playing as a central striker / midfielder. In this position he can not only develop clear goal threat, but also put his teammates in good positions to act with more space. However, he has proven when playing for team Germany that he is able to play excellent on the left side as well.
What is his off the ball movement like?
A few people call Lukas a lazy player who does not like moving off the ball. But I strongly disagree with that. He works quietly for his team and disrupts the defense early in the build-up. Of course, in some games, he could work more defensively for his team. However, there are other players in a team responsible for that.
He is a fighter and does he defend for the team when his team do not have the ball?
Luke is definitely a fighter. He does not think that he´s too good for taking on a challenge or putting on (?) a sliding tackle. But sometimes he needs a little push to get going. In some cases it may happen that he is dissatisfied with the course of the game which makes him lose his confidence, but that has improved significantly in recent years. In addition, his new Arsenal team mates have very different qualities.
Is he a team player or does he have an ego?
Lukas is absolutely a team player. He is not a player who prefers the solo attempt, but to serve a better positioned player. For him it is not essential that he scores goals, but he is rather interested in the success of the entire team. That makes him an outstanding player and leader, and it confirms that he is one of the best scorers in the German Bundesliga.
How will he adjust knowing that he is not the main (or best) forward at his club?
Lukas won´t have any problems with that. He has been playing for the German national team for several years. He knows what it´s like to play together with a lot of excellent players. Not being the main forward at Arsenal, I feel confident, will be good for him. Together with Robin van Persie, he would make a brilliant team.
Why do you think he failed to settle at Bayern Munich?
Lukas was only 21 when he transferred to Bayern. He was very young, and his attitude did not seem right to me. Also, he was often injured and had to face a strong competition with Miroslav Klose. Bayern Munich is a top club in Europe and the world. There is hardly a unique position for a single player. You have to prove yourself in every practice. In my opinion, the change to Munich was too early. However, Lukas has made some very important experiences and he is now ready for the next step.
Do you think he has more chance of being successful at Arsenal than he was at Bayern Munich?
Definitely! You cannot compare today's Lukas Podolski with the Lukas from Bayern Munich. He has matured and he is ready to take on responsibilities. The participation in international tournaments and the number of games in the German Bundesliga has greatly contributed to the fact that Lukas has evolved with his game. In addition, he is a father now, who has much more responsibilities off the field. I am absolutely convinced that he will prevail with (?) the Gunners.
Lastly, how much better do you think Lukas Podolski can make Arsenal as a team?
There is no doubt that Arsenal improves their offense with the upcoming commitment of Lukas Podolski. He is extremely variable and can play any of the offensive positions. With him, the Gunners are less predictable and it takes away the focus on Robin van Persie. Moreover, he already knows some players on the team and Arsene Wenger, a world class coach, who will support him. Lukas Podolski as a person is also a positive addition to Arsenal. He is down- to-earth who always knows where his roots are. Arsenal will enjoy his company, I’m sure!
Thanks.
I would like to thank FC Koln fan Daniel for taking the time to answer my questions you can catch his blog http://www.merstonnzodir.de/ knowing how to read German may help though. From the perspective of a FC Koln fan, Poldi sounds like a player who can do great things with us. I for one am excited to see how he fits into our squad.
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So I hope to be proved wrong.
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