Lukas Podolski admits he would rather play as a central striker for Arsenal

08 November 2012 08:12

Arsenal's Lukas Podolski has revealed he does not feel perfectly suited to a wide role and would prefer to operate as a centre-forward, as he demands more of himself following a summer move from Cologne.

Podolski has regularly been deployed on the left of a three-man front line during the early part of the season, providing support for whoever is playing through the middle.

The Germany international, who has scored 44 goals in 105 games for his country, has also been expected to help out in defence

. It is a position that has required Podolski to adapt his usual game, and he is keen to rise to the challenge of performing to the best of his ability. But the 27-year-old has now joined Theo Walcott in publicly declaring a desire to play as an out-and-out striker.

"I'd rather play centrally up front," said Podolski.

"On the left, I have to do a lot of defensive work, constantly running up and down. But I am not a classical winger.

"Arsenal was a change, a different country and a new club. "I am getting along well, for sure, but I demand more of myself - I want to play even better."

Source: team_talk