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SportsPolish teenager Jan Leszczynski impresses in Borussia Mönchengladbach preseason
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Polish teenager Jan Leszczynski (19) is making a strong impression during Borussia Mönchengladbach's preseason. In a 2-1 friendly win over Rot-Weiß Essen, coach Eugen Polanski fielded an extremely young defense dubbed the 'kids' bar,' including Leszczynski. The Polish newcomer stood out for his aggressive, vocal style and a goal-line clearance he celebrated passionately. Polanski praised Leszczynski's passing ability with both feet and his adaptability, noting he plays left-sided defense despite being right-footed. Leszczynski, who has only four top-flight appearances for Legia Warsaw, faces competition for a Bundesliga starting spot from Nico Elvedi, Kevin Diks, and Fabio Chiarodia. The coach acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new country and language but expressed confidence in the young defender's potential.
Source report
In the most recent preseason test—a 2-1 win over third-division side Rot-Weiß Essen—coach Eugen Polanski (40) fielded a true "kids' bar" in defense during the second half. The back four consisted of Dillon Berko (20), Tyler Meiser (19), Jan Leszczynski (19), and Edin Biber (17). Playing as the "six" in front of them was Mathieu Nguefack (18). Despite their youth, the foal youngsters performed well, conceding only an unfortunate own goal by Biber in stoppage time.
Leszczynski Stands Out
The Polish newcomer especially impressed with his aggressive and vocal style. He notably cleared the ball off the line after a shot from former Borussia player Semir Telalović (26) and celebrated the action as if he had scored a goal himself.
Coach Polanski confirmed: "Jan did really well. You also have to consider the circumstances, that the players in front of and beside him were sometimes even younger. You can still occasionally see that youthfulness. But that's simply a matter of experience."
Path to the Bundesliga
Leszczynski will certainly gain that experience at Borussia, though whether he will be given the opportunity in the Bundesliga soon remains to be seen. His professional experience so far is limited to four appearances in the top Polish league for Legia Warsaw.
His coach thinks highly of Leszczynski, who will ultimately have to compete for a spot in Gladbach's central defense against:
- Likely starters Nico Elvedi (28) and Kevin Diks (29)
- Challenger Fabio Chiarodia (21)
Polanski added: "For a young player who has to cope for the first time abroad, far from home and with a foreign language, it's initially difficult. But he's an open guy, and he has a really good passing game, with both left and right. You mustn't forget that he's right-footed, and then he plays on the left side as if it were normal."
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Poland's Jan Leszczynski Impresses as Defensive Leader in Borussia Mönchengladbach Preseason