International boss showers praise on Arsenal ace

Lukas Podolski has made an impressive start at Arsenal. Photo: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

Friday, October 12, 2012
8:24 AM

Germany coach Joachim Low believes Lukas Podolski’s move to Arsenal has made him a better player, describing him as ‘indispensible’ to his national side.

Podolski earned his 100th cap for Germany during Euro 2012, but found himself relegated to the bench for the quarter-final against Greece and came off at half-time of the semi-final defeat to Italy.

With the numerous German youngsters coming through, it had been speculated that Podolski had only a limited future ahead of him in the national team, but Low has refuted such claims.

According to the coach, Podolski is a player whom he can always rely on, including tonight against the Republic of Ireland.

“I can only say positive things about him, even when he does not play,” said Low.

“I have always been able to count on him for many years. That makes him indispensable for us.

“Even if he did not always start games, I always rated him very highly.”

Playing in the Premier League along with his national team-mate Per Mertesacker is doing him a world of good, according to Low.

“I always said it would be a good move for him,” said Low.

“I think the progress he is making at Arsenal is very positive.

“He always has such a positive energy about him and is benefiting from his experiences with Arsenal.”