Arsene Wenger believes Lukas Podolski has it within himself to further develop his game so long as he puts in the necessary effort.

Quizzed on his trio of German first team stars ahead of the visit of Borussia Dortmund, the boss claimed Mesut Ozil was ‘born a world class footballer’, labelled Per Mertesacker ‘one of the best defenders in the world,’ but called on Podolski to deliver more.

Speaking about the German attacker, who has been sidelined since August with a hamstring problem, Wenger told ZDFSport.de:

“Lukas Podolski is super talented, he can play very well with others, has great power, can take free kicks and scores goals from anywhere, but he can develop and become better.

“You always have the feeling that he is 80, 90 percent there, but you want him to give 100 per cent and then he’ll be world class. There’s more to come from him.”

Not expected to return to first team action until the end of November, Podolski, who was linked with a move to Schalke in last summer, won’t find it easy regaining his place in the Arsenal or Germany starting line-ups given the numerous attacking midfield options at the disposal of both Arsene Wenger and Joachim Loew.

With a World Cup on the horizon and close mate Ozil to play alongside the 28-year-old certainly shouldn’t be lacking the necessary motivation to up his game. Fingers crossed Wenger’s words work some magic…