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World Cup 2022: Poland’s Under the Radar Players

Robert Lewandowski and Co. have a tough task to qualify in the knockout stages at the World Cup, but Poland is fully packed with young talents. Our sportsbook is offering a great range of betting markets and props for the World Cup.

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Roma's Polish forward Nicola Zalewski (R) fights for the ball with Napoli's Mexican forward Hirving Lozano

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Nicola Zalewski: AS Roma

Already a full Poland international, Zalewski made his senior debut for the AS Roma toward the end of the 2020-21 campaign, being retained as part of the first-team squad by Jose Mourinho ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Following his emergence under Jose Mourinho in the absence of Leonardo Spinazzola, Zalewski has drawn the interest of several top European clubs. The Giallorossi have been reportedly approached by both Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Special One does not even entertain the thought of selling the ex-Primavera player who helped Roma in their historic Conference League win. AS Roma rejected both approaches as the club consider Zalewski a vital piece to their long-term project. AS Roma is one of the teams to watch this season in Serie A. Mourinho’s side is a favorite to finish in the top four and we will include them many times in our soccer picks and parlays.

With Spinazzola back from his long-term injury, Zalewski lost his spot in the starting lineup so the only question now is: Where can he go from here? Undoubtedly, he’s the most important under-21 player at Roma, and you can certainly argue that he’s got the highest upside of any Roma academy prospect in recent years. He’s now a key part of Mourinho’s squad rotations, and he’s expected to grow and improve over the next year.

If he continues to play as a left-wing-back with strong attacking ability, there’s no doubt that he can be just as impactful as Spinazzola has been for the club. If he’s allowed to follow a more attacking role, either behind the striker or as a left winger if Mourinho adjusts his tactics, he’s also shown a tendency to score and take excellent free kicks. He made his international debut last year in Poland’s 7-1 win against San Marino, offering the assist for the last goal of the match. He played all four Nations League games, offering assists in the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.

Adam Buksa: RC Lens

Former New England Revolution striker Adam Buksa made his first seven appearances at the international level during World Cup qualifying, helping Poland reach a second consecutive FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old striker recorded five goals, including a hat trick in a 7-1 rout of San Marino. He finished the World Cup qualifiers tied for 10th in goals scored during the current UEFA World Cup qualifying cycle.

Buksa, who recorded 29 goals and eight assists across 64 league appearances for the New England Revolution, joined Ligue 1 side RB Lens for an undisclosed fee. But the 25-year-old striker injured his ankle with his country’s national team. The injury could keep him away from the field for about eight weeks, but Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz declared that he will come to the national team training camp in September after having already played in Lens. He’s a real striker, tall, great on aerial balls, and can play as a pivot and share the ball left and right in the attacking third.

Poland’s World Cup Expectations

It was a campaign that went down to the wire, one that showed the best and worst of Poland as a team. Ultimately, it was one that ended in triumph. This might be Lewandowski’s last World Cup, so he will definitely fight until the last drop of energy. Qatar 2022 will be the ninth World Cup that Poland have reached.

Poland are in the fortunate position of being a dark horse for the 2022 World Cup, with the ability to potentially go deep into the tournament. There’s no pressure on them as a squad. They have been drawn in Group C, alongside Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and they are priced at -140 to make it out of the group stages according to the latest soccer odds.

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