The summer signing of Polish stopper Łukasz Fabiański seemed to be almost forgotten in the hype of Thierry Henry’s departure to Barcelona, however the talented 22 year old has slowly been showing his talents in the Carling Cup run this season, and more recently for the Reserves.
His performances in the last two weeks for the Reserves have been watched by Poland coach Leo Beenhakker and his representatives, and as Euro 2008 gets ever closer it was confirmed yesterday Lukasz has been included in the squad, and will be taking his place amongst the best countries in world football in the summer.
After being blood in to the team in the summer with the pre-season game at Barnet as a second half substitute, he then travelled to Austria and featured again, then Arsene Wenger confirmed he would be Carling Cup keeper and in September he was granted his first start in Arsenal colours against Newcastle at the Emirates.
Like every new signing the home debut is always important, and it become obvious quickly he was something special after making a stunning early save from Obafemi Martins when it looked a simple goal from the Nigerian, he would go on to make several catches and saves, as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners.
After a clean sheet on his debut, he admitted playing in front of a huge crowd at the Emirates was an amazing experience, but he would not get another chance as the next Cup game was Sheffield United away.
Lukasz was handed the captains armband for this encounter and had little to do, as the Gunners strolled past the Championship outfit.
Next came Blackburn Rovers int he quarter-finals, where he would finally be beaten in an exciting cup tie that went to extra time, with things tied at 2-2 and Arsenal having Denilson sent off it seemed a difficult position to win from, however his goal kick found Alex Song, he chipped the ball over the back line and Eduardo slotted home to put Arsenal through to the Semi’s against Tottenham.
However a shocking 5-1 defeat knocked Arsenal out, over two legs and ended Fabianski’s impressive spell in the team in January he would then have to watch on as Arsenal pushed to win trophies in other cups.
His talents were then used by Neil Banfield, as he gave the keeper a debut in the Reserves against Derby in a 2-1 win.
He had then been taking part in charity work for the Gunners and settling, before Banfield called on his services two weeks ago, as he got the chance to put the disappointment of the Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham out of his head, and help get one over on Spurs’s Reserves.
Despite being beaten, by a Thomas Pekhart strike he then came up with a Man Of The Match display as the Gunners rallied back to draw 1-1, with the highlight a stunning close range save from World Cup winner Gilberto.
But its not just talent where Fabianski impresses, its also his attitude, having not featured as much as he would have liked, he remains positive and does not regret the move to London.
“I think it [my first year] has been OK, not bad When I have played I have largely been happy with those appearances. For a first year in a new country as a young goalkeeper it has been a good experience and I hope the seasons to come will be better and better.
“If you have really big ambitions like I do, you always expect more and more. But I respect at the moment the results of Manuel and Jens have been really good.
“I hope next season my position will be better. But yes of course I am happy to be here.”
Quotes From – Arsenal.com
He also confirmed he does not see the Reserves games as a step down, but as a further chance to showcase his talents.
“I am happy to be playing, At the moment I am third choice and have not had too many opportunities to play so if I get a chance I am happy.
“I am also happy with the way that I played [on Monday night]. I had a lot of things to do, not only shot stopping but also dealing with crosses and the kicking. It is important for a keeper to play 90 minutes and get a feel for the game.”
With such an impressive attitude, as well as amazing talent 2008 promises to be a fantastic year for Lukasz who turns 23 tomorrow, and with Jens Lehmann set to leave in the summer Fabianski is set to become number 2 and battle with Manuel Almunia for the number 1 jersey.
Fabianski is committed as well as confident, you would not bet against him becoming Arsenal’s number 1 in the not too distant future.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Top, top class article.
Lukasz was used as a scapegoat for that thrashing at White Hart Lane, personally, I thought he played extremely well considering the circumstances. He is a fresh breath of air for the club, maybe, just maybe, we have a keeper’ who could be the worlds best in seasons to come.
After letting in a soft goal against Robbie Keane, people felt inclined to write off the 22 year-old despite impressive performances in earlier stages of the competition. From what I gather, he has a big future at the club and should not be judged on one game.
Having seen more of him than myself, would you be able to help descibe what his strengths are and what he needs to work on?
Thankyou very much for the update and keep up the good work – checking this site has become part of my daily routine:)
Firstly, thank you Chris, i totally agree, Lukasz looks like a really top buy and somebody who has a big future here.
and secondly to answer your point Stuart, i would say he does the simple things well, he is tall, strong, reads the play well, excellent shot shot stopper.
Kicking in an area he could work on and maybe catches, but he confirmed in the interview he is spending time in training working on that, so he is obviousally intelligent.
cheers for update.
However he does not seem tall to me, and i thought he does punch balls away a lot especially on corners, but then again we dont want to judge him on that spuds game. Hope he will make it in our team.
Wenger wouldn’t of handed him the armband on his 2nd app for the club if he didn’t believe in him.
He’s been great in recent weeks, and I hope he gets a god towards the end of this season.
he is quite tall for a keeper 191cm, same height as Almunia
Cheers Sanderson
He looks promising – I saw him at emirates in the CC game against Newcastle and I’ve watched a couple of his recent reserves appearances on ATV. He definitely needs to work on his goal kicks though – they can be a bit wayward.
The best acknowledgment of his talent is that he is 2 choice for Poland behind Boruc. Kuszczak – Van der Sars understudy from the mancs is 3 even though he has played God knows how many more matches in “the best team in the world”( acc. to Myles).
And Happy Birthday To Lukasz For Tomorrow!
The Polish Stopper Will Celebrate His 23rd Birthday!
Happy Birthday from Germany!!!
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I’m pretty suprised that the media and pundits are saying that we must buy a goalkeeper in the summer if we are to be successful. I’m very excited personally about Fabianski and i think him and Almunia are more than good enough to duke it out next season. What do you think Sanderson?