Next up in our assessment of the Group C contestants is Poland. Adam Nawalka’s side kick off their tournament at 5pm on Sunday June 12 against Northern Ireland before facing Germany four days later at 8pm and Ukraine on Tuesday June 21 at 5pm.
If – as predicted by the bookies – the Poles clinch second spot behind Germany, they’d then go up against the runners-up of Group A, which is expected to be Switzerland, suggesting they don’t have an easy task of making the quarter-finals.
Road to Qualification
Poland finished second to the Germans in qualifying, winning six – including a 2-0 home triumph over Joachim Lowe’s side – and drawing three of their ten matches. The top-scoring nation on the road to Euro 2016 with 33 goals, though as many as 15 of them arrived over a couple of clashes against Gibraltar.
At the back, Nawalka’s men were far from convincing and managed just three clean sheets, conceding a total of ten goals in the process.
In terms of recent friendlies, Poland have featured five times over the previous 12 months. After chalking up a goalless draw against Greece last June, they’ve won each of their last four in a series of impressive displays against Iceland (4-2), Czech Republic (3-1), Serbia (1-0) and Finland (5-0).
Most Appearances Robert Lewandowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak (10), Lukasz Szukala, Kamil Glik, Kamil Grosicki, Arkadiusz Milik (9), Krzysztof Maczynski, Maciej Rybus (8), Lucasz Piszczek (7), Lukasz Fabianski, Pawel Olkowski, Tomasz Jodlowiec (6)
Most goals Robert Lewandowski (13), Arkadiusz Milik (6), Kamil Grosicki (4), Grzegorz Krychowiak, Sebastian Mila (2)
Most assists Arkadiusz Milik (6), Kamil Grosicki (4), Krzysztof Maczynski, Robert Lewandowski (3), Grzegorz Krychowiak, Maciej Rybus (2),
The Key Targets
Robert Lewandowski is the obvious contender for those eyeing up Poland’s main men. Fresh off the back of a 30-goal Bundesliga haul for Bayern, Lewandowski sets you back a hefty 11.5 in the Uefa game – only Cristiano Ronaldo (12.0) is more expensive – after producing more goals (13) and attempts than any player in the qualifiers. He also chipped in with a trio of assists and sat second for chances created, underlining his role as the undisputed main man for Nawalka’s outfit. Lewandowski is far and away the most popular option in the Poland squad and currently sits in 12% of Uefa teams.
Despite mainly featuring in a central support role in a 4-2-3-1, striker Arkadiusz Milik bagged six goals and as many assists during qualifying. Priced at a very reasonable 7.5 in Uefa, he created more chances than any team-mate and could prove a real value for money alternative if Poland settle into their stride.
Setting you back 7.5 and 7.0 respectively in the Uefa game, wide men Jakub Blaszczykowski and Kamil Grosicki may be worthy of consideration. Granted, both have struggled to nail down regular roles for Fiorentina and Rennes respectively, but they remain crucial to Nawalka’s plans. With four goals and as many assists in nine appearances, Grosicki could be the best bet of the two. Indeed, he equalled Lewandowski for key passes and produced just four attempts less over the qualifiers and recently produced two goals and an assist in the friendly win over Iceland. Number one for dead-ball duties, he’s top for crosses by some distance and looks a decent shout for the Draft Kings game. Like Milik, Grosicki has the potential to provide us with a real differential – the duo sit in 2% and 1% of sides so far.
At the back, Dortmund’s Lukasz Piszczek is the priciest option at 5.5 in the Uefa game. Nonetheless, his raids down the right could still come to fruition if Poland fail to improve their resilience, whilst his successful tackles and crossing stats bode well for the Draft Kings game.
The Long Shots
Kamil Glik (5.0) looks a viable option in defence. Having started each of the last four friendlies, the centre-half – who bagged a goal during the qualifiers – impressed for successful tackles and interceptions and could therefore benefit more from the Draft Kings scoring metric.
With first-choice left-back Maciej Rybus sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Jakub Wawrzyniak (4.5) looks likely to claim a role in Nawalka’s first XI. The Lechia Gdańsk defender has started two of the last four friendlies and could appeal to those on the lookout for a budget enabler, though he offers little threat in the final third and failed to produce a single attempt over five qualifying appearances.
Central midfield pair Grzegorz Krychowiak and Krzysztof Maczynski bagged two and one goals respectively in qualifying. The former – who plies his trade for Sevilla – produced double the number of key passes and comes in at 6.0 to Maczynski’s 5.5. Krychowiak’s appeal in the Draft Kings game also looks promising – he’s top for interceptions and joint-top for successful tackles for Nawalka’s men.
Upcoming Friendlies
Poland vs Holland (June 1), Poland vs Lithuania (June 6)
Further Analysis
Group A – Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland.
Group B England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales.
Group C Germany, Northern Ireland
