In terms of international forces both Italy and Poland have had better spells in history, but neither are mugs. This is the start of a new campaign and both will have high expectations. As Mateusz Klich lined up against York City at the start of pre-season he couldn’t have imagined he would be starting for Poland against Italy just two months later.
Klich has had a bizarre year in his footballing career. Brought in to make a difference in the middle of the pitch his competition was nothing like it is now. Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Vieira have both been sold, Eunan O’Kane has been loaned out and that only leaves Kalvin Phillips. Klich was injured in the opening game and he was never allowed to recover and earn his place back, because Thomas Christiansen had made up his mind. O’Kane and Phillips were his two men.
Poland XI v Italy: Fabianski, Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek, Reca, Blaszczykowski, Krychowiak, Klich, Kurzawa, Zielinski, Lewandowski.
Watch Italy v Poland on Sky Sports Football from 7.40pm.
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Klich slipped at Cardiff in his only league start of the season and although the play went almost half the pitch afterwards before the goal went in he was the fall-guy for Thomas Christiansen, and he wouldn’t be the last as the head-coach struggled to adapt and find a way to make changes to a team failing week after week. Klich fell out with Christiansen and as the coaches changed, Klich was watching from Holland and new club Utrecht.
He excelled on loan in the Netherlands and was told by the club he was wanted back, no wonder after his performances and the fact he is arguably the best central midfielder in his role at the club. Klich was a snip of a price at £1.6 million and that is shown in his form this season. Under Marcelo Bielsa he has worked his way not only back into the plans but into one of the most important players at the football club. Tonight’s start is a huge moment for Klich.
Klich is currently in the book but has helped the side to a 0-1 half-time lead.
