Wojciech Szczęsny, the Polish goalkeeper, has had an impressive career with achievements at both club and international levels. Here’s a breakdown of his journey:
1. Early Career
- Youth Teams: Szczęsny started his career in the youth teams at Agrykola Warsaw and then moved to the Legia Warsaw youth academy in Poland.
- Arsenal: He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2006 at 16 years old and began his professional career there, gradually moving up the ranks.
2. Arsenal Career (2009–2017)
- Szczęsny made his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2009 after excelling in the reserves.
- He established himself as a regular starter around 2011, known for his confidence, shot-stopping, and distribution.
- Notable Achievements: Szczęsny won two FA Cups with Arsenal (2014 and 2015) and also claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in 2013-2014, awarded for the most clean sheets in a season.
- Loan to Roma: In 2015, after some inconsistent performances and off-field issues, Arsenal sent him on a two-year loan to AS Roma in Serie A. There, he performed well, leading Serie A in saves in his second season and enhancing his reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper.
3. Juventus Career (2017–Present)
- In 2017, Szczęsny signed a permanent contract with Juventus to serve initially as a backup and future successor to the legendary Gianluigi Buffon.
- He gradually replaced Buffon and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, praised for his agility, composure, and leadership.
- Achievements:
- Serie A Titles: Szczęsny has won multiple Serie A titles with Juventus (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20).
- Coppa Italia: He also helped Juventus win the Coppa Italia in 2018 and 2021.
- He’s known for his excellent shot-stopping, positioning, and ability to save penalties, making him one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers.
4. International Career with Poland
- Szczęsny made his senior debut for Poland in 2009 and has since represented his country in several major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship (2012, 2016, 2020) and FIFA World Cup (2018, 2022).
- He has consistently been a key figure in Poland’s squad, known for his leadership, and has delivered standout performances, especially at the 2022 World Cup, where he saved multiple penalties.
5. Playing Style and Reputation
- Szczęsny is celebrated for his sharp reflexes, handling, and strong distribution, adapting well to both Arsenal’s and Juventus’s playing styles. He’s known for his high-confidence style, combined with improved discipline, maturity, and tactical awareness, which has strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers.
Summary of Szczęsny’s Major Honors:
- Arsenal:
- FA Cup: 2013-14, 2014-15
- Premier League Golden Glove: 2013-14
- Juventus:
- Serie A: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20
- Coppa Italia: 2017-18, 2020-21
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2018, 2020
Jip de Wijs is the youngest sports reporter in the Netherlands. He writes about his passion for football and provides insights into the football world on Dailysoccer.nl.
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