No Country For Old Men?

What I love about football is that even after the most severe loss you’ve got next games to look up for. Let us, then, forget about the depressing Euro Champs and think about the future. Future means World Cup 2010 qualifiers. The first question is: should we keep our most experienced players in the team?

The most experienced players, the ones who should be our leaders, were at the same time the biggest underachievers in our team. As a result, we should get rid of them and give a chance to younger, more ambitious players, with a mentality not scarred by big tournaments constant failure. That would be a proper way, at least, if we were a country like France, which always has enormous number of football talent at their disposal. But we’re Poland, we don’t have a choice of 50 players who play regularly on an international level. Should we, then, get rid of the oldest players and concentrate on introducing youngsters, keeping 2012 in mind? I think that every player deserves individual judgement.

Jacek Bak, 35 years: he already announced retirement from international football. At the same time, I heard that Leo still wants him to play for a year or two. I think it’s time to say goodbye to Bak. He had some great games and some poor ones for Bialo Czerwoni and should make place for younger players. His health may not enable him to play both for the club and national team.

Jacek Krzynowek, 32 years: considered the biggest disappointment in our team. As in 2006, he proved that we can’t count on him if he doesn’t play regularly for his club. He was totally useless, tried unecessary shots and was constantly losing the ball. I think that the only way he can remain in the national team is by changing a club for a one in which he would play regularly. In other words, it’s time to return to Poland.

Maciej Zurawski, 32 years: lack of character, lack of motivation, lack of winner’s mentality. How could he be our captain! Once again, he failed to perform against superior opponents. First of all, I think there is no way he can remain Polish nt captain. Secondly, I don’t think we can count on him to play a leading role in the team. But should we get rid of him alltogether? He may still prove useful, if he agrees to be a substitute and he he really impresses in Greece.

Michal Zewlakow, 32 years: the only experienced player that didn’t let us down horribly. I think he should stay in the team and replace Bak as a leader of our defence, at least for the forthcoming qualifiers. He still plays in a good European club (Olympiakos) and should stay in shape in the next 2 years. Moreover, we can’t dispose of all experienced players.

Marek Saganowski, 30 years: gave his best during the Euros, but he’s not talented enough to win games all by himself. To be honest, I can’t see him playing a crucial role in the next qualifiers. If he performs well for Southampton next season he may be considered useful for certain matches (Northern Ireland). Other than that, I prefer to see more of Zahorski, Janczyk or Brozek.

Mariusz Jop, 30 years: thanks, but no. Certainly, Jop had some good games for the national team, but he had too many horrible ones (Ecuador, Austria). He won’t be faster and he won’t improve his technical skills. We need to grow some young central defenders like Kokoszka, Polczak, Danch or even Fojut.

Mariusz Lewandowski, 29 years: he was average during the Euros, but remember that he played last two games with an injury. Moreover, he’s not that old, he may even play in 2012. That’s why, keeping in mind Lewy’s good performances in the qualifiers, he should still be a part of the team. And if a transfer to Premiership goes through, he may still improve his skills.

Arkadiusz Radomski, 31 years: not part of the team in Euros, but still one of the more experienced Polish players. I see him neither as a starting central defender nor as a starting defensive midfielder. I heard that he wants to leave Austria Vienna and return to Holland. Provided he plays regularly, he may be considered a backup player in the national team. But will his ambition enable him to agree with such a role?

As you can see, I view only Zewlakow and Lewandowski as important first team players for our next qualifying campaign. Krzynowek may still be useful as long as he plays regularly; I’d like him to return to Poland, maybe Wisla. If Zurawski becomes a leading scorer in Greece, he may add some quality to the national team. But only as a squad player, not a leader and definitely not a captain. Other than that, it’s time to introduce younger players. The sooner the better, as we want to have a young, but at the same time experienced side in 2012. What do you reckon?