January Transfer Windown Part 2: Polands' Top 5 more changes...

10 days in and lots of transfer noise in Poland - I will walk you through my NEW Top 5!

 1. Slawomir Peszko - Lech Poznan to FC Koln
Transferred reported to be around 500 000 Euros

Peszko stays atop for the time being, as he moves to a great league. The Polish international winger moves to the Billy Goats on an initial half season contract, if Koln can survive relegation there is an option to extend. Peszko, an electric player will improve any team with his great pace and ability to push forward. I strongly believe Peszko will start and make an immediate impact.

2. Piotr and Pawel Brozek -Wisla Krakow to Trabzonspor 
 Transferred reported to be around 2.5 mil Euros

 

The twins retain their 2nd place as a package deal they will be a boost to any club. Pawel and Piotr Brozek leave for greener pastures and find themselves in Turkey, better yet the twins are joining a team that sits atop of the Turkish league. A long time coming for Pawel, the Polish international was linked with many EPL clubs in past years, but finally is able to take his scoring ability to another level. While, Piotr is a good defensive wingback, who can also play winger.

 3. Kamil Grosicki – Jagellonia Bialystok to Sivasspor 
Transferred reported to be around 1 000 000 Euros 

Who is he? Well, he's a younger version of fellow Polish international Kuba "blazing speed" Blaszczykowski. Kamil can play striker and even winger as his dribbling skills and pace are very superior to most! He has helped Jagellonia to the top of the Ekstraklasa. A great player with lots of promise hope he develops in Turkey! Also, a Polish international who Smuda is giving a lot of love to.

4. Marcin Robak – Widzew Lodz to Konyaspor 
Transferred for around  800 000 Euros

Marcin Robak joins former Wisla Krakow keeper Mariusz Pawelek to a mid table team where both player hope to make an immediate impact. Robak has been outstanding this year scoring 13 goals in the last round of the Ekstraklasa. Giving him a grand total of 39 goals in just 66 appearances! Widzew will miss him, but we all hope he can get even better!

 5. Kamil Glik - Palmero to AS Bari - Loan deal - 

Glik had a succesful first game for Bari, but followed up with a horrendous performance. He drops to 5, but lets hope he continues to get better. Although, not a pernament transfer this move is a good one for Polish international defender Kamil Glik. He has officially moved to AS Bari on a loan deal which will give this young defender a chance to play regular football. Glik saw playing time in only Europa league games for Palmero and could not break into the regular first 11.

8 days in and more noise out of Poland, who will be signed next and how will it affect my top 5 transfers of the Winter window 2011?

Stay tuned, next couple of days should get interesting...

Rumours and more Rumours...

Jagellonias' Kamil Grosicki is reportedly signed with Turkish side Sivasspor!

Empolis' defender Kokoska wants to leave on loan to lech ?? 

Rubin Kazans' Rafal Murawski wants back in Poland where will he land??

German side Frankfurt after Polonia Warszawa and Polish Internation Adrian Mierzejewski??

Jerzy Dudek – The “Hand of God” and Four Polish keepers that attempt to match his stardom

Istanbul 2005, sixty five thousand screaming fans and AC Milan have taken the lead after only one minute of play. Liverpool continues to give up ground and Milan make them pay – two nil and the Reds are down and out at halftime. Ninety minutes later, Liverpool have equalised and their recovery is complete. Last minutes of extra time – Dudek makes a miracle double save to deny Shevchenko from only a yard out dubbing it the “Hand of God.” Jerzy would go on to save two more penalty shots, and mark an incredible comeback victory for Liverpool. 

Now at Real Madrid, Jerzy sees the field from a different perspective – the bench. After many successful years, Dudek’s new job is to try and challenge Casilass for the starting role but everybody including Ray Charles can see that this will never happen. A backup role at one of the world’s prestigious clubs is nothing to frown upon, but ask Kuszczak, Szczesny, Fabianski, and Boruc and they may tell you otherwise. 

The above mentioned goalies have had their share of the limelight but today’s question is who turned off the lights? 

Tomasz Kuszczak’s light is a flickering light bulb that needs to be changed immediately. The Polish international is better known for being the shadow that is Edwin Van Der Sar. He has been at Old Trafford since 2007, and although his contract expires in 2012 – he wants out now. The 28 year old is not getting any younger and has shown glimpses of great keeping. Moreover, he has played top level football appearing 31 times for West Brom and 27 times for Man United, but will he get a shot at number 1 or should he go elsewhere?  

Wojciech Szczesny is the brightest candle of the bunch as his flame is burning high and wide; this young man is being touted as the next big keeper in football. The 20 year old Polish international has already made two great starts for Arsenal – manufacturing two clean sheets. His last performance was at Old Trafford in a very important away game where Wojciech once again stood tall producing several immense saves, but it was not enough as Ji Sung’s lucky goal went in off the post to give Man United the important three points. Szczesny looks to have a bright future indeed and must stay positive as the backup keeper. 

 

Lukasz Fabianski’s light can be explained as a light switch that has been off for the past three years and recently in an accident teammate Almunia tripped up and turned it on for him. After a very frustrating 3 years behind Almunia, Lukasz was able to shake of the critics and show his real worth. It took an Almunia injury to give Lukasz his first real chance at the number one spot and he has not disappointed. Several brilliant displays have earned him the starting role and he is looking better and better with each game allowing his confidence to peak. Fabianski went from Flappyhandski to faultless, and his manager has publicly stated that he can become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. 

Artur Boruc’ light is confused; it sometimes shines a powerful spotlight and other times flickers nonchalantly like a lighthouse. This keeper when on, is one of the best in the world but with many personal issues it is hard for him to keep his great form. Boruc grew to astronomical size in the Celtic green and white, he became an instant legend. Appearing in 153 matches for the Bhoys he was able to keep an incredible 79 clean sheets, this all done with a mediocre defence in front of him. He continued to prove his worth in the Champions League, World Cup 2006 and even at the Euros 2008. Artur was used to getting nothing but praise, but this time his lingering personal issues had finally caught up to him. Wanting a fresh start Artur moved to Seria A side Fiorentina, where he is now the number 1 after Sebastien Frey’s knee injury. With six games in the bag, Artur is looking like his old dominating self back at Celtic.

For some of these Polish keepers the light may never come on, but if they continue to work hard and play great these four Polish keepers may have a bright future just yet.

JanuaryTransfer Window: Poland's top 5 Transfers so far...

5 days in and lots of transfer noise in Poland - I will walk you through my Top 5!

1. Slawomir Peszko - Lech Poznan to FC Koln - Transferred reported to be around 500 000 Euros

The Polish international winger moves to the Billy Goats on an initial half season contract, if Koln can survive relegation there is an option to extend. Peszko, an electric player will improve any team with his great pace and ability to push forward. I strongly believe Peszko will start and make an immediate impact. He joins two fellow poles; Matuszczyk and Podolski.

2. Piotr and Pawel Brozek -Wisla Krakow to Trabzonspor -Transferred reported to be around 2.5 mil Euros

Pawel and Piotr Brozek leave for greener pastures and find themselves in Turkey, better yet the twins are joining a team that sits atop of the Turkish league. A long time coming for Pawel, the Polish international was linked with many EPL clubs in past years, but finally is able to take his scoring ability to another level. While, Piotr is a good defensive wingback, who can also push forward and play as an offensive winger.

3. Kamil Glik - Palmero to AS Bari - Loan deal - 

Although, not a pernament transfer this move is a good one for Polish international defender Kamil Glik. He has officially moved to AS Bari on a loan deal which will give this young defender a chance to play regular football. Glik saw playing time in only Europa league games for Palmero and could not break into the regular first 11. AS Bari could  potentially save his career as rumours announced him going back to Poland.

4. Huber Wlakiewicz - Lechia Gdanski to Lech Poznan - Transferred reported to be around 300 000 Euros

Hubert moves to Poznan on a four year deal, a great move for him and for Poznan, as Bosacki is not getting any younger. Poznan needs to splash extra cash to bring him in during the winter which should not be a problem. Hubert should be able to fight himself into the starting 11 great move for him and Poznan. 

5. Bartosz Slusarksi - Cracovia to Lech Poznan - Free Transfer -

After being gone for 8 years and journeying around the world playing abroad Bartosz comes home again. Bartosz joins Lech and adds some much needed depth at the striker position. He has 42 goals in 151 Ekstraklasa appearances.


Who do you think is top transfer so far?

Lech Poznan. What are they still doing in the Europa League Competition?

The "Kolejorz" or in English the "Railwaymen" are moving at a locomotive pace, faster than your average speeding train, this brave Polish side have picked up dramatic momentum and hope to make history in 2011. 

For only the second time since their existence Lech have reached the group stages of the Europa League and for a league like Poland this is an extraordinary step. But, the brilliance does not stop here, when Lech found out who they were facing in the Group Stages of the Europa League everyone had already written them off. 

Group A or the "Group of Death" had Premier giants Manchester City, and Seria A super club Juventus FC, and finally to top it off Austrian FC Salzburg.

Even the most devoted Kolejorze fans knew that this time around it was going to be impossible, but was it?

Even the most optimistic Lech fan couldn't even have foreshadowed this kind of result at the end of the Group stage, but this soon turned into reality. Lech went into Italy and was up 3-1 early in the game, Juventus came back strong but the 1 away point was huge not only for the board but for Lech's confidence. Lech would go on to beat Manchester City 3-1, tie the remaining Juventus game and beat Red Bull both times. This time around Lech Poznan fans knew that anyone coming into their new stadium would be in a whirlwind of trouble, as they kept their home record very clean.

Back track to December 17, 2010 Lech finds out they will be facing Champions League drop off's S.C  Braga in the knockout round of 32. The lottery was kind to Lech, even though a tough challenge lays ahead it could have been a lot worse.

This talented team out of Portugal is home to many great players that are of Brazilian origin, but in recent weeks many of these talented players are on their way out. GK Felipe, CB Leo Fortunato and FW Elton have been released. Also, leading goal scorer Matheus is also on the verge of leaving. On the other hand, new MF Vinícius has arrived. What many fans will anticipate is getting a chance to watch this game at one of the world's most beautiful stadiums; below Estadio Municipal de Braga.

What about Lech Poznan?  Everyone in Poland hopes they will splash some cash as they are known to be very cheap. Evidence of this was seen last year, when legendary striker Robert Lewandowski left for German powerhouse Borrusia Dortmund for several million euro. What did Lech do to replace him? They brought in a free out of form 33 year old Artur Wichniarek! His contract was terminated several months later. 

Lech Poznan needs to bring in some good talent if they are to progress into the next stages of the Europa League. If Lech buys the following; a striker, a defender, and a winger they will have a good chance to advance.

This January transfer window has already started and is become an exciting one for Lech as they have bought two players and let one go. Lech have brought in FW Bartosz Slusarski, who will add depth and if he does more it will be wonderful. A fun fact for us all is that Bartosz played in Portugal and once scored against Braga! Young CD Hubert Wolakiewicz was also signed and if Lech pay the right price he will move in this transfer window and not in the summer. Finally, Lech lost a vital part of their team with the departure of winger Slawomir Peszko to German side Koln. 

One thing is for sure, Lech Poznan will have a huge advantage and that is their 12th man, the Lech Poznan Ultras; 42,000 of them waiting at stadiom Miejski.

And...if you missed their run in Europa League here is a great compilation! 

I will be keeping you up to date via Twitter @bigcmos81 on all relevant information on Braga and Lech as they prepare to square off in February of 2011.

Artur Boruc. From World Class to No Class?

Poland produces many fine, high quality products such as; beer, vodka, pierogies and ever so often a World Class keeper or two. Artur Boruc fits in with the latter, but in recent years his phenomenal performances and incredible penalty saves have been largely overshadowed by several surprising incidents.

Flashback to 1999, a young keeper signs his first major contract with a very good Polish side; Legia Warszawa. At this point in time, Artur has already represented Poland at U-17, U-18, and U19 levels and has shown alot of promise. Still, this does not cement his place at Legia, he waits to get his chance and sure enough in 2002, he becomes the clubs starter.What follows? Several great honours such as Goalkeeper of the Year, New Finding of the Year, and Best Goalkeeper in Poland just to name a few.

Summer of 2005, Boruc dreams turn into reality as he leaves Poland to start a new career and life with world renowned club Celtic FC. Scotland sets the stage for Boruc to become legendary, and he does not disappoint. Three consecutive Scottish League Championship, a Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. To top it off a remarkable Champions League campaign in 2006, where Boruc saved Louis Sahas penalty in the 89th minute to send them into the knockout stage of the tournament. In 2007, he stayed true to his Champions League form by saving two penalty shots in the shoot out between Spartak Moscow and Celtic, which gave them passage into the next round. If anyone forgot some of his heroics, just take a quick look at the yotube video vs Milan. 

Boruc, became a household name, just as the likes of legendary Jerzy Dudek. In 2006, Boruc played his heart out at the World Cup in Germany, and in 2008 he flashed his World Class abilities at the Euro Championship in Austria.

Our Holy Goalie's super star status had finally caught up with him and he started to fall of track, many locker room incidents, on-field fights and then of course the public off-field problems continued to haunt Boruc. He had an unorthodox way of communicating with Ranger players and fans as he continued to bless himself causing a huge uproar in the stands. Artur enjoyed taking matters into his own hands, as he battled with many players throughout his stay at the Bhoys.

Boruc was the main topic of discussion and was an immediate hit with the tabloids, as they made a mockery of everything he had done or supposedly did. The downward spiral continued but this time hitting home as a rumour of a fling ended his marriage with sweetheart Kasia.

Months later things turned from bad to worst as Artur was kicked off the Polish National Team for reportedly drinking with a teammate and destroying a hotel room. After serving a 2 match ban he returned to the team but was never the same.

In 2010, Artur's dad passed away and now was left without a real parent. At this point in time, Artur really needed somebody close but with his mom and dad gone it was not going to be easy. This past October, Artur and the rest of the Polish NT members completed the North American tour playing a good game against the U.S.A and then Ecuador.

The airplane ride, although a long one had it's own special on board turbulence. What became a pretty cheerful time on board was exploited by the media and once again Artur's name had popped up and was leading all headlines. Artur wasn't a goalie anymore he was the next witch in this super studded witch hunt. NT manager Smuda decided that Boruc and Zewlakow behaviour was so unacceptable that he had erased both great competitors from any further squad considerations.

To sum up, several interviews ensued and Artur explained himself saying that Smuda is irrational and he said that it would be okay if they drank with him, he then stated that his behaviour was not bad at all, and that all he did was have a glass or two of wine with his good buddy Micheal.

Looking ahead, it is 2011 and Artur Boruc has moved to Seria A side Fiorentina for an undisclosed fee. It's funny that during his best time at Celtic FC he was close to moving away from the Scottish side for a sum of 8 million euros, how times have changed. Moving forward, after impressing in several friendlies he was going to give their starting goalkeeper Sebastien Frey a run for his money. Well, several games later Artur was on the bench when all of the sudden Frey hurts his knee and is out indefinitely. Boruc steps in and plays very well, but then hurts his shoulder and now is waiting to prove to the world that he is still one of the best to ever play this position.

What do you think? Should Boruc be allowed back in the Polish squad? Is he past his immature ways? Feel free to comment...