Polish Footbal Emmigrants. Part One.

August 4th, 2008 | by: tomasz | Comments(5)

I’ve already previewed the Polish league for you. Now it’s time to check Polish players who earn their money abroad. The saddening fact is that we’ve only got one true star playing for a respected European club; that’s of course Celtic’s Artur Boruc. Will the forthcoming season change this situation? Will any Polish players make their name on a European market? Let’s check it out.

The list of Poles abroad and their national team potential:

ENGLAND

Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal): will be Arsenal’s second keeper this season. I personally hope that he’ll become the first after half a season and Almunia’s mistakes. A player who has the mentality to succeed abroad.
National team? Poland’s second choice keeper behind Artur Boruc.

Tomasz Kuszczak (ManUtd): another season as a second keeper behind van der Sar. Can’t make any mistakes if he wants to replace the legendary Dutchman in the future. Very confident, which sometimes turns into arrogance.
NT? It’ll be hard for him to get a call up after his conflict with Leo before the Euros.

Jaroslaw Fojut (Bolton Wanderers): won’t probably be loaned out this season. One of only 4 centre backs in the squad (3 if they sell Meite), should get his chance this season. Last year of contract at Bolton, must prove that he’s a Premiership-level player. Napoli is interested in him.
NT? Received a phone call from Rafal Ulatowski, who announced that he’s gonna be watched carefully by Leo. Expect a call up once he starts playing regularly.

Tomasz Cywka (Wigan): didn’t play in Wigan’s last four friendlies. If he isn’t injured that means that he’s not considered a first team player. Must at last start playing regularly, a loan should do.
NT? Not an option at the moment.

Tomasz Kupisz (Wigan): unlike Cywka, he featured regularly in Wigan’s pre-season friendlies. Didn’t play a lot, but at least he’s taken into consideration by the manager. The 18 year old may get his chance in cup competitions.
NT? Too early.

Bartosz Slusarski (West Bromwich): may as well be the biggest Polish surprise in England this season. Surprisingly, he wasn’t ditched by West Brom after spending the whole last season on loans. He played regularly in friendlies, although not in the first eleven. May get a chance in Premiership in the course of the season. Our biggest and only chance for the first Polish Premiership goal since 1992.
NT? I don’t think he has skills to succeed at an international level.

Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby County): Derby’s manager calls him a ‘Champions League Star’ and a player with the physique and skills perfect to succeed at a Championship level. That basically means that he’s expected to be one of Derby’s leaders this season. After unsuccessful spell at FC Porto Kaz has got a lot to prove this season. Expect spectacular goals.
NT? Once he plays regularly he should be a perfect backup for Lewandowski.

Artur Krysiak (Birmingham City): the young Pole is Birmingham’s 3rd choice keeper at the moment, but at least he made it to the team photo. Another loan move?
NT? Not in the next 5-6 years.

Bartosz Bialkowski (Southampton): played in Saints’ last friendly, but only due to Kelvin Davis’ slight injury. Will have to fight very hard for the nr 1 shirt. Championship season is very long so he’ll surely feature in some games.
NT? Only if he impresses for the Saints.

Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton): potentially he’s Saints best striker, but they want to get rid of him because of his high wages. Rasinho is a respected figure in Championship and should find a new employer easily.
NT? Sorry Greg, you’re no longer needed.

Marek Saganowski (Southampton): same as Rasiak, potentially he’s Saints’ top player. Unfortunately, he lately expressed his concern on his official website about playing in friendlies with other reserves players. Sagan senses that the Saints want to get rid of him because of his high contract.
NT? He may be useful to the national team, but only when he’s perfectly fit and in form.

GERMANY

Artur Wichniarek (Arminia Bielefeld): probably another season as Bielefeld’s top scorer. He’s the club’s legend and biggest star. Shame he never really proved himself outside Bielefeld.
NT? Too old, not a player that Leo is looking for. Calling Leo’s assistants idiots didn’t help either.

Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund): Bundesliga’s upcoming star. Did very well in friendlies and should be one of Dortmund’s leaders this season. A player that I count on most to become recognizable by fans around Europe.
NT? If health permits he should be one of the leader’s of the new team.

Mariusz Kukielka (Energie Cottbus): may even play regularly for Cottbus this season. A usual fight against relegation awaits. I see him coming back to Poland in 1-2 year’s time.
NT? Had his chance under Janas. Not an option currently.

Lukasz Kanik (Energie Cottbus): never seen him play, the only thing I know is that he never features in Cottbus’ squad. He’s only 20 though. Is he even a member of the first team? Couldn’t find his name on a squad list.
NT? Nope

Lukasz Piszczek (Hertha Berlin): had an average season for Hertha last term, but was better the closer the end of it. Should feature regularly, rather on wings than as a striker. I hope he can repeat his UEFA Cup performance.
NT? Expect regular call ups. May be a useful squad player in the national team.

Marcin Mieciel (VFL Bochum): should be his last season in Germany as he’ll rarely feature in the first eleven. Expect a comeback to the Polish league next year. Still, he’s always capable of spectacular goals.
NT? Never a national team regular, now it’s too late.

Tomasz Zdebel (VFL Bochum): another season as Bochum’s playmaker and leader. Never spectacular, but always effective.
NT? Already resigned from international football.

Jacek Krzynowek (VFL Wolfsburg): the Wolves weren’t able to sell him so he’s going to spend another season on the bench. As we’ve all seen during Euros he’s passed his best. Had to give his nr 10 shirt away to the new signing Misimovic. Painful.
NT? The biggest mistery regarding Leo’s future call ups. I sense he’ll get another chance.

Sebastian Tyrala (Borussia Dortmund?): no chance to feature for Dormund this season. Was to be loaned out somewhere, does anyone know if his transfer took place?
NT? Has to play regularly on a high level to be called up for a minor friendly game.

FRANCE

Ireneusz Jelen (AJ Auxerre): it looks as if he’s finally got rid of health problems. Plays in all friendlies, both as a lone striker and as a winger. One of my hopes for a Pole impressing abroad. 10 league goals are not above his potential.
NT? Leo says that the door is open, but he’ll have to impress in France first.

Dariusz Dudka (AJ Auxerre): Auxerre paid Wisla enough to make him a regular starter. Plays in every single friendly game. The only question is: will he be a defender or midfielder?
NT? Grown up enough to be one of the team’s new leaders.

SPAIN

Euzebiusz Smolarek (Racing Santander): Racing is desperately trying to sell him. After the transfer to Toulouse fell through we hear names of new clubs every weeek now. Racing’s president is pissed off as he wants to reclaim his 4M he spent on Ebi. Hard times for Polish Player Of The Year 2007 and no view to play often in Primera Division.
NT? Regardless of his club problems he’s still one of the best Polish players. Expect to see him really motivated in nt games.

Jerzy Dudek (Real Madrid): a perfect option for a 2nd keeper in a big club. Dudek is an experienced professional and doesn’t fail when called upon by Bernd Schuster. Judging from his performances in the recent Emirates Cup he still knows his trade. Nice retirement for Dudi.
NT? His time has passed.

Adrian Sikora (Real Murcia): Murcia is only a 2nd div club, but one of the strongest at the same time. Sikora was acquired to score goals and he’ll certainly be given a chance to do so. One of the fastest Polish players, should surprise Spanish defenders with his speed.
NT? No, unless he becomes league’s top goalscorer.

ITALY

Adam Kokoszka (Empoli): played regularly in friendlies, passed his trials and should further develop his skills in Serie B this season. That is if Empoli agrees the transfer fee with Wisla Krakow. One of the most talented Polish defenders just can’t lose the season sitting in the stands.
NT? Leo is his big admirer, Kokos will get his call ups once his legal situation is settled.

Bartosz Salamon (Brescia): the Polish 17 year old earned his place on the bench in pre-season friendlies. I don’t know what he’s capable of, but the sole fact that he made his debut last season at such a young age means that he’s worth keeping an eye on. I’ll try to check his progress regularly.
NT? Maybe in 2012.

Next part: Poles in Austria, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, Russia, Scotland, Ukraine, Switzerland, Serbia and Romania. Hell, maybe even Cyprus. Stay tuned.