Will Lukas Podolski make it to the Arsenal line-up?

Lukas Podolski

Having missed all but 80 minutes of Arsenal’s 2013/14 Premier Leaguecampaign, myriad questions surround Lukas Podolski as he makes his return to fitness, thought to be closing in on his comeback.

However, the most pertinent question as things stand is, having missed the vast majority of his side’s sudden shoot to Premier League prominence, where does the German international fit in?

Our last (and only) memory of the 28-year-old this Premier League season was the two-goal contribution made at Craven Cottage in late August. In fact, netting both his only two shots in this particular fixture allowed Podolski to boast a league-high conversion rate of 100%.

It was during this encounter that Podolski demonstrated his usual get-up-and-go attitude from the left wing, spliced with the prerogative of making sure he cuts in to make a more direct surge on goal. With a brace to his name, it’s something that was working to good effect, albeit against a rag-tag Cottagers outfit.

Ozil Performance Score 2013/14

Since then, the most significant impact on Podolski’s chances of simply resuming action as normal would be the arrival of Mesut Ozil. Podolski’s compatriot has made the most seamless of transitions to the Premier League and on only two occasions has the former Real Madrid superstar finished with a negative Performance Score.

Ozil Chances Created 2013/14

During his time at the Emirates Stadium, the left wing has proved accommodating for Podolski, while Ozil has thrived through the middle and stands out as the club’s primary playmaker this season, creating a magnificent 36 scoring chances this season.

In contrast, Podolski only made 31 chances in 33 appearances last season.

So, while Ozil’s addition to the squad may not have impacted Podolski directly, his presence does mean that other pieces have moved into his territory as a result. Namely, Santi Cazorla.

As one can see from the Spaniard’s activity against Hull City, Cazorla’s movement is similar to Podolski’s in that while the left side of the pitch might be his hub, thenatural instinct is to migrate more centrally.

It’s been a fairly fruitful deployment for the 29-year-old, but it’s strange that the hero of the Gunners’ 2012/13 campaign should so quickly fall from grace, completing the full 90 minutes in just over a quarter of his matches.

In short, there’s always room for competition at the Emirates and though there’s a heap of talent among Wenger’s creative stars, the Polish-born attacker returning from injury could yet battle his way back to reclaiming that spot on the left flank.

An alternative for Wenger to consider would be an approach that incorporates Podolski as a centre forward or supporting striker. Given that the 4-2-3-1 formation has served so well in getting his side to the top of the table, it’s highly unlikely that the Frenchman will facilitate a tactical shake-up at the moment, but it wouldn’t be absurd to envisage Podolski competing with Olivier Giroud for a place in the team.

Podolski Shot Accuracy 2012/13

During his days at Cologne and in the German national team, the veteran has found himself pushed into more advanced positions, bearing good results in their respective settings.

With a lack of striking options visible, yet a plethora of faces competing for a place in attacking midfield, all signs would suggest Podolski may yet compete for a place up front.

In any case, Wenger will want to merely ensure his attacking asset is fit and ready before contemplating where best to throw him into the fray, although the options when it does come to that stage are numerous.