German giant Per Mertesacker has assured Arsenal fans that they will see what Lukas Podolski is capable of at Euro 2012.
Podolski will complete his move to the Emirates when the transfer window officially opens at the end of the month, and the Gunners faithful are keen to see what the forward can do while on show in Poland and Ukraine.
However, the former Cologne captain was forced into a more defensive role on Wednesday as he looked to help keep Holland’s Arjen Robben quiet down Germany’s left flank. His international and now club teammate Mertesacker has commended Podolski on his defensive display but has promised Arsenal fans that they will see his attacking threat sooner rather than later.
“Defensively it was a great game from Lukas.
“He had to cover for Philippe Lahm, with Arjen Robben on his flank, and he did it very well. Especially in the first half, he covered him all the time and it was two against one on Robben.
“I think that was more important than his attacking qualities today. But every Arsenal fan will soon see what he can do offensively.”
Injury and the impressive form of centre-back pairing Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber has resulted in Mertesacker being forced to sit on the bench for Germany’s opening two matches.
However the 27-year-old accepts his situation and is keen to try and help out the younger members of the squad.
“I try to do that.
“We are a very young side, I think the youngest in the tournament, and therefore we need some experienced players. So I try to do my best – if not on the pitch, then off it.
“I’m getting better and better. Obviously I was out for three months, and the rehab was very hard. I didn’t play during that time, so the coach chose other players and I have to cope with it. We have a great team, so every position has more than one good player.”
Mertesacker has picked up 81 caps for Germany over the course of his career.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
Can't knock an attacking player who realizes that helping the team not ceoncede is priority. It's great to see that Poldi can put in a good shift when needed but he also had some shots on goal and made some good interchanging passes with Ozil against Holland.