Podolski Goes for a Ride

Every time I hear the name Lukas Podolski, images of this commercial go flashing through my head. Perhaps that is why it was nice to see the 20-year-old pleasant smelling German forward looking manly as he takes a ride in a rally car. For no real reason, I’ve seen quite a bit of Poldi on the pitch recently too, playing for FC Koln and Germany. Frankly I haven’t been too impressed by what I have seen. Of all the players who are being hyped as candidates for the Best Young Player Award at the World Cup, I think he is the one who is four years away from really making a difference.

Podolski is just 20 and I can see why people might be excited about him. He is very good in the air and he has a great shot. He also is a guy with an appearance that is made for pitching products.

But at this point I just am not convinced that he is the type of player that can take over a game, especially at the World Cup. When I compare him to another 20-year-old Wayne Rooney, I just don’t see the same level player.

Playing for a FC Koln team that is facing relegation, Podolski has a mere 8 goals in 26 matches. Sure his team isn’t great and he has struggled with fitness, but the year before he had 24 goals in 30 matches – numbers that should excite people.

If I were German coach Jurgen Klinsmann – and thank goodness I am not because I couldn’t stomach living in California – I’d go with Miro Klose and Kevin Kuranyi ahead of Poldi. Bring the kid off the bench as a sparkplug for the final 20 minutes or so.

What are your thoughts about Podolski? Is he ready for prime time or still a few years away? Does he really smell that good?