Why This Forgotten Arsenal Star Deserves More Chances! by AT
As a result of Arsenal’s rather mediocre start to the new season, there have been a handful of players who have been subject to criticism as a result of their poor performances. However, there are also established first-team players who have been more or less left in the wilderness as the Gunners continue to struggle for form. One of those players is Lukas Podolski, who chose to speak out about his situation following Germany’s 1-0 win over Spain.
As reported by The Guardian, the German international said: “I have to speak to Wenger because the situation at the moment is not good for me because I have to play, so we will see what happens. I am happy at Arsenal and happy in London but the only thing is I don’t play. I don’t get the chance to play. I play always 10 to 15 minutes. I cannot be happy with this.
“I don’t say that I want to leave or that I leave in winter. I just think about my situation and my situation is unhappy. It is like anyone who is not getting a chance at doing their job. I know that only 11 can play but when you always play 10 or 15 minutes and it happens every week then you cannot be happy. I am happy with the team and the coach and the club but I don’t play. That is the only thing.”
Statistically speaking, Lukas has not started a single game for Arsenal in the League and has only made four appearances off the bench. The former FC Cologne man’s frustration is certainly understandable and when I think of any potential reasons as to why he’s being overlooked in every game, I really can’t come up with any. There is no doubt in my mind that if his situation continues to remain the same, Arsenal will have to say goodbye to one of the undisputed fan-favouries in the squad.
But why is Poldi not being used at all this season? The 29-year-old can bring so much to this Arsenal side, including experience, leadership and a regular supply of goals. Not to mention, he is by far the most clinical finisher in the squad, not even Alexis Sanchez can top him on that aspect of the game. While it has to be agreed that the Chileans’s red-hot form has a lot to do with Poldi being benched, there are also others like Santi Cazorla who haven’t justified numerous berths in the Gunners’ starting eleven.
Quite honestly, I cannot seem to find one good reason as to why Lukas Podolski continues to be overlooked in regards to first-team selection. But whatever the reason may be, I really hope to see him back in the first-team picture as quickly as possible, there is just so much that he can bring to the team. So the German needs to start or play a decent part in either the Man United or Borussia Dortmund games, but preferably both!