Lukas Podolski has delivered his verdict on the upcoming UEFA Champions League showdown between Inter Milan and Arsenal.
During a comprehensive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, Podolski labeled Wednesday’s encounter as a ‘top clash.’
Inter and Arsenal will trade tackles at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza tomorrow.
Both teams have excelled at Europe’s top table this season.
Indeed, there’s nothing but goal difference to separate the sides before the kick-off.
After a spirited 0-0 draw at Manchester City, Simone Inzaghi’s men have defeated Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys ‘to nil.’
On the other hand, Arsenal have bounced back from a scoreless stalemate at Atalanta in round one.
Mikel Arteta’s men have overcome Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk without conceding.
As a result, they’re one of only five teams with a perfect defensive record this Champions League campaign.
Podolski, who played for both sides during his illustrious career, expects a spectacle.
Lukas Podolski Delivers Verdict On Upcoming UEFA Champions League Clhas Between Inter Milan & Arsenal
“Arsenal has done great things in recent years,” he said.
“They haven’t won the Premier League, but they’ve played great football and continue to do so.
“It will be a top clash. It’s not just a typical group stage match; it’s worth much more.
Asked whether only Real Madrid and Manchester City would’ve been ahead of Inter last season, Podolski replied: “I would add Barça and Bayern to that list.
“But yes, Inter is up there. They can easily qualify for the knockout stages. Their attack is strong.”
However, he refused to give Inter the upper hand over Arsenal.
“It’s hard to say. Inter is Inter.
“Inzaghi’s philosophy is well known, but if I have to choose a style that captivates me, I prefer Arteta’s.
“I love what he manages to convey when the Gunners play football.”
Podolski assessed Marcus Thuram’s rise to stardom at Inter.
“I’ve known him since he played in Germany, but now he has become a real goal scorer. It’s not easy to steal the spotlight from someone like Lautaro.
“Inzaghi doesn’t have any particular problems when setting up the lineup. That’s the level of Inter – to have two such strong strikers as starters.”
He also reflected on Lautaro Martinez’s position in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
“I’ve never cared much about such awards. There’s a lot of ‘politics’ around who wins or who judges.
“In the past, several players deserved to win but didn’t. For me, the team and the collective matter, and Lautaro remains a top player.”
Podolski backed Thuram to grab the spotlight tomorrow.
“Thuram. Arsenal doesn’t have a striker like him. They have Havertz, it’s true, but he’s not a number 9.”
Finally, he admitted he wouldn’t sign for Inter again.
“Maybe I wouldn’t accept. Nothing against Inter, mind you, it’s a top-level club, but moving during the season isn’t a good idea.
“You need to adapt to a new league, a new country.”
