Nawałka names experimental Poland Squad for German test

With a number of big names missing, Adam Nawałka will be forced to experiment with his Poland side for Tuesday night’s friendly against Germany in Hamburg. With regulars Robert Lewandowski, Łukasz Piszczek, Kamil Glik and Wojciech Szczęsny just a number of the players not released by their clubs for the game, the 56 year-old coach has mostly looked to the Ekstraklasa to replace them. But with a number of surprise – and one-or-two controversial – names included in the 26-man squad, the game could pave the way for some to make their competitive bow in September’s first Euro 2016 Qualifier.

: Artur Boruc – Southampton, ENG
Caps: 56 – Goals: 0

Boruc has been in tremendous form in the Premier League, helping Southampton to a top-half finish. Lost his place to Wojciech Szczęsny, but with the Arsenal keeper out, will likely start against Germany.

: Radosław Janukiewicz – Pogoń Szczecin
Caps: 0 – Goals: 0

An ever-present for Pogoń this season. 30 year-old Janukiewicz has been integral to their surprise European challenge this term. His impressive performances were dampened after their 5-0 defeat to Wisła at the weekend.

: Wojciech Kaczmarek – Zawisza Bydgoszcz
Caps: 0 – Goals: 0

After helping Zawisza to promotion last term, Kaczmarek’s penalty heroics against Zagłębie Lubin last week earned his side their first ever Puchar Polski.

: Artur Jędrzejczyk – Krasnodar, RUS
Caps: 11 – Goals: 1

Favourite to start on the right side of defence, 26 year-old Jędrzejczyk has played 25 times for Krasnodar this season. The former Legia and Dolcan Ząbki man last appeared for the Kadra in the November friendlies against Ireland and Slovakia.

: Łukasz Szukała – Steaua Bucuresti, ROM
Caps: 5 – Goals: 0

With 27 games and 5 goals to his name, Szukała has been an important cog in the Steaua defence as they lifted the Romanian title. Should start at centre-back.

: Jakub Wawrzyniak – Amkar Perm, RUS
Caps: 40 – Goals: 1

The most experienced defender in the squad, Wawrzyniak’s most recent appearances have drawn much criticism. Took part in the Ekstraklasa-only friendlies before his move to Russia; but many would prefer to see Legia’s Tomasz Brzyski on the left.

: Igor Lewczuk – Zawisza Bydgoszcz
Caps: 2 – Goals: 0

Zawisza’s cup final Penalty hero finds himself in Nawałka’s full squad for the third tike – last featuring in the Ekstraklasa-only double header against Norway and Moldova. Played in all-but-one of Zawisza’s outings this term.

: Thiago Rangel Cionek – Modena, ITA
Caps: 0 – Goals: 0

The most surprising and controversial of Nawałka’s picks, Brazilian-born Thiago has been an important player for Serie B side Modena as they attempt to sneak into the promotion play-offs. Took Polish citizenship almost three years ago whilst at Jagiellonia.

: Grzegorz Wojtkowiak – TSV 1860 Munchen, GER
Caps: 22 – Goals: 0

The oldest of Poland’s defenders, 30 year-old Wojtkowiak has played 25 times in 1860’s unsuccessful attempt to join neighbours Bayern in the Bundesliga next season. His first call-up since the World Cup qualifiers back in October 2013.

: Maciej Wilusz – GKS Bełchatów
Caps: 2 – Goals: 0

The only call-up from Poland’s second tier, 25 year-old Wilusz is an important part of the Bełchatów team which sits top of the league, unbeaten since November.

: Adam Marciniak – Cracovia
Caps: 2 – Goals: 0

Not one of the most attractive players to watch perform, but 25 year-old Marciniak’s effective performances have earned the call-up from his former Górnik coach. Best deployed on the left-hand side.

: Paweł Olkowski – Górnik Zabrze
Caps: 4 – Goals: 0

Wing-back Olkowski has earned many plaudits for his marauding performances at Górnik. Often compared to Łukasz Piszczek, he’ll be off to Germany in the summer having signed a pre-contract agreement with FC Koln. 26 league appearances this term, with injury interrupting in the winter.

: Eugen Polański – Hoffenheim, GER
Caps: 19 – Goals: 0

Since his move from Mainz in 2013, Polański has become a key player at Hoffenheim. The defensive midfielder has played in all-but-two of their Bundesliga games this season, scoring three times.

: Grzegorz Krychowiak – Stade de Reims, FRA
Caps: 17 – Goals: 0

With 33 appearances and 4 goals this season, 24 year-old Krychowiak has quickly become a fan-favourite at Reims. He has also made the defensive midfield spot in the National Team his own, and is likely to be one of the first names on Nawałka’s teamsheet.

: Michał Pazdan – Jagiellonia Białystok
Caps: 9 – Goals: 0

The Jaga defensive midfielder – nicknamed Kung-Fu Pazdan thanks to his penchant for a high tackle – has taken part in 29 of their 32 league games, with suspension ruling him out of two. Favoured by Nawałka having played under him previously at Górnik.

: Karol Linetty – Lech Poznań
Caps: 2 – Goals: 1

The youngster of the selection, 19 year-old Linetty already has eyes on him. Having led the U17’s to a European Championships bronze, his stock increased massively. Now rumoured to be attracting the interest of a host of top European clubs including Manchester United.

: Ludovic Obraniak – Werder Bremen, GER
Caps: 33 – Goals: 6

Loved by some Polish fans, loathed by others. French-born Ludo attracted much criticism after refusing to play under former boss Waldek Fornalik. But with a new leaf turned over under Nawałka, the enthusiasm has returned for Obraniak. Has played ten times for Werder since his winter move, scoring once.

: Maciej Rybus – Terek Grozny, RUS
Caps: 26 – Goals: 2

24 year-old Rybus earns his first call-up since the 1-1 draw with Moldova in June 2013. Has played 45 times for Terek since his move in early 2012, but is yet to score in 15 appearances this season.

: Mateusz Klich – PEC Zwolle, NED
Caps: 7 – Goals: 1

After an unsuccessful spell at Wolfsburg, 23 year-old Klich has found a good home in the Netherlands, becoming a fan-favourite at PEC Zwolle. Has played 34 times in all competitions this season, helping the club to their first Cup trophy.

: Michał Żyro – Legia Warszawa
Caps: 0 – Goals: 0

After falling out-of-favour with Jan Urban last season, 21 year-old Żyro has returned to the fray this campaign – helping Legia to establish a commanding lead at the Ekstraklasa’s summit. The latest youth product of the club to find their way into the national setup.

: Paweł Wszołek – Sampdoria, ITA
Caps: 6 – Goals: 0

After a sluggish start, Wszołek found favour under new Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlović; and has now made 19 appearances for the Genoan side. It’s unlikely he’ll challenge Jakub Błaszczykowski for the right midfield spot once the captain returns from injury, but in the meantime has the opportunity to make himself the second-in-line.

: Sławomir Peszko – FC Koln, GER
Caps: 28 – Goals: 1

With four assists and three goals in his 24 appearances, Peszko has played a good-sized role in Koln’s successful attempt to return to the German top-flight. After starting in the Scotland friendly, he’s likely to be the man who replaces the injured captain Kuba.

: Rafał Wolski – Fiorentina, ITA
Caps: 3 – Goals: 0

Moving to Italy in January 2013, injury prevented Wolski from making an impact straight away. However he steadily seems to be finding his feet in Florence, making fifteen appearances for Vincenzo Montella’s men this campaign. Has also made four appearances for Marcin Dorna’s impressive Poland U21 side, as they aim to reach next year’s European Championships.

: Arkadiusz Milik – FC Augsburg, GER
Caps: 7 – Goals: 1

With Lewandowski absent, it is likely that Adam Nawałka will look to his former Górnik pupil to lead the line against the Germans. Though he has been mostly limited to substitute appearances whilst on loan at Augsburg, his nine goals for the U21’s – including back-to-back hat-tricks – have brought the attention of Dutch club Ajax, who wish to take him on loan next season.

: Łukasz Teodorczyk – Lech Poznań
Caps: 6 – Goals: 3

Though it took him nine games to grab his first league strike of the season, Lech striker Teo hasn’t looked back since – hitting an impressive nineteen Ekstraklasa goals in total. Eleven in his last ten games have undoubtedly earned his spot in Nawałka’s 26-man squad. Played eight minutes against Scotland, and was sent off on his last international start against Norway.

: Marcin Robak – Pogoń Szczecin
Caps: 8 – Goals: 1

The oldest outfield player in Nawałka’s 26 is also the one who is firing on all cylinders at his club. Despite his 31 years, his 22 league goals – plus another in the cup – have fired Pogoń to a surprise top-half finish, and leave them with a chance of European competition. Unlikely to start, but could play an important part in a team struggling for goals.