Alan Shearer says former Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, was ‘magnificent’ after he helped Poland progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup, despite their 2-0 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, as he told Match of the Day.
The 32-year-old, who is being linked with a return to the Premier League and a shock move to Tottenham, saved Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty, which in the end, proved to be crucial because Poland reached the round of the last 16 on goal difference.
In truth, heading to the next round, Poland have probably looked like one of the weakest teams, with their defensive style and low block not helping matters.
Only a few players have stood tall in that team and the main man has been Juventus’ penalty-saving king, Szczesny, who could be playing at his last World Cup for his nation.
Either way, he is a player that impressed former England striker Alan Shearer, who thinks without him, Poland are on the early flight back home.
“Poland have got their goalkeeper to thank, Szczesny, for getting them through to the next round because he was magnificent,” said Shearer.
“The penalty save, one or two other saves, especially in the second half when it was just relentless pressure from Argentina. I mean this is a wonderful save. It should never have been a penalty in the first place.
“But he guesses the right side, not only that, but he has the strength to keep that out there. It’s brilliant. Great save with that right hand.”
TOTTENHAM LINKED WITH SZCZESNY
When Szczesny was at Arsenal, he didn’t produce the performances he is showcasing today because he has turned into a top keeper in Turin.
He left north London for £14 million in 2017 (Sky Sports) and there are talks of, not just links with Tottenham, but a surprise move to Newcastle United, despite Eddie Howe having Nick Pope in between the sticks.
Either way, it would be interesting to see him return to England’s biggest stage because he might feel he has something to prove in the Premier League given what happened when he was first here.
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