Experienced forward Lukas joined Arsenal from FC Cologne at the start of July 2012.
A Germany international (though born in Poland), Lukas can play in a central or left-sided attacking position, and he arrived fresh from a season in which he scored 18 goals for a side that was relegated at the end of the Bundesliga campaign.
Lukas Podolski Profile |
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| Born |
June 04, 1985
Gliwice, Poland |
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| Position: |
Striker |
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| Squad Number: |
9 |
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| Previous Club(s) |
Cologne, Bayern Munich, Cologne |
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Lukas has been prolific throughout his career. Emerging from Cologne’s youth system, he scored 51 goals in just 85 games during his first spell there before signing for Bayern Munich in 2006. There, he found things slightly tougher - but still netted 26 times in 106 appearances. Returning to Cologne in 2009, he finished his second stint with 35 goals from 95 games.
It is mainly through his exploits at international level that Lukas is well known to English fans. He won his 100th cap for Germany during Euro 2012 while just 26 (the youngest European to the milestone) - marking that milestone match against Denmark with a goal.
Lukas has a goalscoring record of nearly one in every two games at that level, and was critical to his nation’s successful World Cup campaigns in 2006 and 2010, as well as their runners-up position in Euro 2008.
Fast, skilful and with a clinical left foot, Lukas looks sure to be a fine addition to the Gunners’ attacking options this season.
Lukas Podolski's Arsenal Career
|
| |
Prem Lge |
Europe |
FA Cup |
Lge Cup |
Total |
| Season |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
| 2012-2013 |
25 + 8 |
11 |
6 |
4 |
1 + 1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
33 + 9 |
16 |
| Total |
25 + 8 |
11 |
6 |
4 |
1 + 1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
33 + 9 |
16 |
My Year
August
Lukas scored twice against former club Cologne in pre-season and started both of Arsenal's Premier League matches against Sunderland and Stoke. “You have seen that he has a good technique and he is good in possession," said team-mate Per Mertesacker. "We have the players who can pass him the ball. He is a good finisher too and we will see that in a couple of weeks." September
Lukas announced himself as an Arsenal player with three goals in three games. After opening his account for the Club against Liverpool, Podolski curled home a sumptuous free kick against Southampton, and also netted against Montpellier in the Champions League. The German praised fellow summer signing Santi Cazorla after the win against Liverpool, saying: "“We play [well] together and you could see it here - he passed for me for the first goal, I passed to him for the second goal." October
Lukas started the month well, scoring against Olympiacos in the Champions League. He set up Olivier Giroud’s goal against West Ham and made five appearances during the month. November
Lukas enjoyed a successful November, scoring in three successive games. The striker netted in his first north London derby, and also hit the target against Fulham and Montpellier - the latter earning him the Goal of the Month award. December
Lukas missed only the Champions League defeat at Olympiacos during December. The forward scored Arsenal’s opener in the 5-2 win at Reading and also found the net with a close-range header in the convincing 7-3 home win over Newcastle. January
Lukas appeared in six games and scored two goals during January, including a fierce drive from 25 yards against West Ham United. The German was in fine form against the Hammers, also setting up three goals for his team-mates, and was subsequently named man of the match.
Commenting on the forward’s goal against West Ham, Arsene Wenger said: “He has a fantastic left foot - you saw that on his goal. The quality of his crosses is absolutely immaculate and when you play in the middle, you want people who can cross like him.” February
Lukas featured largely from the bench in February. He came on as a late substitute to score the winner at home to Stoke City at the start of the month, before also finding the net against former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
“When you lose the match and Bayern score three goals at the Emirates, it’s very difficult,” the striker said of his former club. “But we have a chance and we will fight for this.” March
Lukas featured twice in March, coming off the bench on both occasions. The forward came on after 77 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur, before playing the final 20 minutes against Reading at the Emirates. April
Lukas made four appearances and scored once during April. The Germany international came off the bench to seal the win against Norwich City and started his only game of the month in the centre forward position against Manchester United.
