The 23-year-old Polish forward Krzysztof Piatek has taken the Serie A by storm.
Genoa striker continues to hit the headlines with his impressive goalscoring form which now extends to eight goals in six league matches. The Pole just can’t stop scoring at the moment with his formidable exploits attracting plenty of attention all around Europe.
But, who exactly is Krzysztof Piatek?
Record Breaker
As Genoa prepared to take on Frosinone in their Sunday’s Serie A clash, eyes of the world were all resting on Krzysztof Piatek. The in-form striker had already struck six goals in five league appearances, becoming the first Genoa player to do so in club’s history.
“He really seems to be the complete package. I get the feeling he can truly become an important player. But I’m trying to whisper it rather than shout from the rooftops”, Genoa manager Davide Ballardini said after the season-opening win over Empoli when Piatek registered his first Serie A goal.
Five games later there was no point in hiding behind the curtains – Piatek might not be the league’s household name but he’s already emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards this season.
As he went on to bag both Genoa goals in a 2-1 win over Frosinone, the world went mad. Having taken his tally to eight in six league matches, Piatek became the first player to achieve the feat since Karl Aage Hansen in 1949/50 with Atalanta.
With the likes of Shevchenko, Ronaldo and Milito all behind him, the world is now wondering if Piatek is truly a real deal or just another flash in the pan and a one-hit wonder.
Opportunity Grabber
From the current perspective it might be said that Krzysztof Piatek was in the right place at the right time.
Only the fifth most expensive Genoa signing of the summer, the Polish striker was brought to Italy without high expectations and without any fanfare – off the back of a €4 million deal from Cracovia. He wasted no time in turning the heads around as he asserted himself as the go-to No.9 at Genoa.
Initially slotted behind the Juventus loanee Andrea Favilli in the Genoa pecking order, Piatek seized the opportunity and did more than enough to keep Gianluca Lapadula on the margins and to push the experienced forward Goran Pandev to a less advanced role.
Slotted behind Piatek as Genoa’s frontman, Pandev is supplying the Pole with both confidence, experience and support, but also with key balls from behind. Piatek is given freedom in attack and is using all of his traits and quality to boost his stock daily.
Piatek’s Biggest Qualities
The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to Piatek.
In addition to eight Serie A goals the Pole bagged further four in Coppa Italia, taking his total tally to 12. The Pole is overperforming all of Serie A’s more illustrious strikers, including Cristiano Ronaldo who – despite only three goals to his name – remains the biggest favourite at a price of 4/5 to finish the season as league’s top goalscorer.
His clinical finishing is the most obvious trait but there is much more to Piatek than goals. The Genoa striker is fighting incredibly hard both on and off the ball. His movement is impressive as well. Piatek will always look for spaces to exploit and link up with his teammates.
A mixture of Pippo Inzaghi’s poacher instincts, in-box movement and Diego Milito’s incredible work rate and power, Krzysztof Piatek is a unique asset in world football. Not only is he scoring but he’s often working hard to create scoring opportunities – either by forcing defenders into mistakes or recognizing the tiniest cracks between the lines he’d push and break.
“On the pitch I think constantly about how a move could develop, where I need to position myself to receive a pass,” Piatek told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Incredibly strong – both mentally and physically – Piatek continues to impress and it’s no wonder the continent’s biggest clubs are lining up to grab him.
Where do you think a player of his qualities would fit best?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
