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.
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