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After netting the winner for Poland in their U21 European Championship clash against Italy, Krystian Bielik has seen a lot of Arsenal fans clamour for him to get an opportunity for Unai Emery’s first-team next season.
What’s the word?
Speaking whilst on international duty, Bielik was adamant that after a spell with Charlton in League One last season he would not contemplate returning to the Gunners’ youth sides.
He insisted (via Football.London): “My future is unknown but there is one thing I can say for sure: I will definitely not go back to Arsenal U23 team. At this stage it wouldn’t make sense.
“If I do not receive the possibility to join the first team permanently, I will have to look for other solutions. I feel like a senior player now so I want to play senior football.”
The ball-playing centre-back Emery has been searching for
After conceding 51 goals in the Premier League it has been no surprise to see reports in recent weeks claiming Emery is on the look-out for a new centre-back to potentially marshal his back-line next season. But there’s one man right under the noses of the Gunners management who could be the long-term answer they’ve been desperately looking for.
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Step forward Bielik. The former Legia Warsaw man has been largely confined to Arsenal’s academy sides but had a real breakthrough campaign under Lee Bowyer’s guidance at Charlton. The 21-year-old showcased his versatility by looking comfortable in both a holding midfield role and as a centre-back for the Addicks.
In his country’s opening game of the U21 Euros against Belgium, Bielik completed more passes than any of his teammates and had an impressive accuracy of 95.7% for passes in the opposition half – a percentage higher than any other starter on either side.
He rounded off the performance with a thumping header and then against Italy showed some fine technique and agility with a half-volley from the edge of the box.
His performance in the play-off final against Sunderland earned him the man of the match award and was a real sign of his temperament for the big games.
Emery’s insistence on having “protagonists” and people who can dictate the game brought out teething problems last season. Bielik’s return to the Emirates however would ensure the Gunners have someone capable of leading their back-line both on the ball and off it.