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Week 5 [23.11-29.11] Who is the best footballer in the history of Polish football? Robert Lewandowski vs. Zbigniew Boniek

Each of us has a hobby, area of life that we are interested in on a daily basis. Things we check every day. In my case, it's money and football. While I think 400 words is not enough to talk about money, I think football is a light and accessible topic enough to make a small introduction. 

I have been interested in football since I was a child, and in fact I feel tired of it. But always, whenever I have the opportunity - I watch a game or play myself. Even in times of coronavirus, the crisis does not stop me - together with my friends we play in the amateur league of 6-person teams.
To put it bluntly and a bit immodestly - I know football. Today I will try to say who in my opinion is the best player in the history of Polish football. So, back to the topic, even though there were many great players in the history of Polish football - Lucjan Brychczy, Ernest Pol, Gerard Cieślik, Kazimierz Deyna, Włodzimierz Lubański, Kazimierz Deyna - the greatest ones are undoubtedly Robert Lewandowski and Zbigniew Boniek.

https://real-blog.eu/2017/10/25/boniek-czy-lewandowski-najlepszy/
Of course, Robert Lewandowski is currently on his top. Honestly, for me, Robert is the best player in the world at the moment, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi in the current period. He is like a machine that is in prime time, scores a lot of goals, passes, assists, nods and shoots. Everyone loves him and adores him.

https://polskatimes.pl/powazna-kontuzja-roberta-lewandowskiego-pekniety-piszczel/ar/c2-14818138
On the other hand, Zbigniew Boniek, the current head of the Polish Football Association, has recently been famous for stupid Twitter entries. Additionally, people criticize his confidence, his heavy nature. However, I have the impression that people are forgetting who Zibi was in the 1980s and his successes. It was a star not only in Poland but also in the world. A footballer who managed to leave communist Poland (for those who did not know history - transfers abroad were practically impossible then). He left Widzew Łódź for 1.8 million dollars, which would be about PLN 30 million in today's standards. Interestingly and most importantly, from the strong team of Widzew Łódź, he went to the best team in the world then - Juventus FC. Name only: Michel Platini, Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Cesare Prandelli, Marco Tardelli, Paolo Rossi and coach Giovanni Trapattoni. It was probably one of the best teams in the history of football, the team that won the most important trophies in series. Of course, Boniek was a star there, he gained the nickname - 'bello di notte', it means - the beauty of darkness, because he played outstanding matches in the evenings. After a period at Juventus, he joined AS Roma, where he also became a legend. Looking at goals scored, trophies won, Robert demolishes Zibi's achievements, but remember - the ball was different then. Zbigniew Boniek was a very versatile footballer - he played as a striker, midfielder and even defender. Robert is a typical player who ends an action, he doesn't create a game.
https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/pilka-nozna/820388/od-idola-do-wroga-zbigniew-boniek-persona-non-grata-dla-kibicow-juventusu

I'm not saying that Zibi's club career is better than Robert's because it isn't. However, when it comes to playing for the national team, Boniek beats Lewandowski. In a T-shirt with an eagle on his chest, Boniek never failed. He always gave the maximum and led the national team to the biggest trophies. It was under his leadership that in 1982 Poland won the bronze medal at the World Championships in Spain. It was an extremely impressive performance. (Zbigniew Boniek was named the 3rd best footballer in the world by France Football magazine). Let us remind you - in 1982 in Poland there was martial law, our entire society was interested in this team, once again Poland attracted the attention of the world. Interestingly, we almost did not go to this tournament at all, and in addition, the bronze match ended in a scandal, because the organizer did not foresee that Poland could win, as a result there was no person who would like to hand over medals to the Poles. The match on Polish television was shown with a delay, so that the producers had time to cut out all kinds of political banners prepared by the Spanish, who showed solidarity with the Poles.
Back to Robert Lewandowski, he is still waiting for his great performance in the national team. Even though we were at the 2016 European Championships in France and 2018 World Championships in Russia. Robert was weak at these tournaments. Sure, his overall numbers are impressive - but he mostly scores against weak teams. Personally, I really hope that the European Championships 2021 will be Robert Lewandowski's last dance, and despite the difficulties, Poland will achieve success.
https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/reprezentacja-polski-w-gdansku-od-poniedzialku-sprzedaz-biletow-na-mecz-z-finlandia-od-srody-z-wlochami,a,180282
All in all, it's hard to compare players from 2 different eras. It's hard to judge which one was better. Despite a huge hype on Robert Lewandowski, I appreciate him very much, but in my opinion, the best player in the history of Polish football is Zbigniew Boniek.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?
2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?
3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?

Comments

1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?

I agree that it's very hard to compare players from two different eras, because no one can tell how good or bad could Zbigniew Boniek be today. Boniek's times were different, modern football requires a lot of physical and mental abilities. Now to be at the top, you must be a footballer and athlete at one time. Tactics developed too, so I think it's practically impossible to compare these two players fairly.

2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?

I think sport should to be apolitical, so expressing your views during the competition isn't good. Talking about politics during the interviews or posting something on social medias is every people right. On the other side, everyone has a right to speech, but not everyone should do it official and public.

3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?

I love soccer. I played for a dozen years in my hometown club and on the neighbourhood's pitches with my friends. These days I don't have a lot of opportunities to play, but I am trying to do it from time to time. I am football enthusiast, so I like to watch it too, whether in TV or in the stadium.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you are right that it's hard to compare players from different eras. We are a few days after the death of Diego Armando Maradona. According to many experts, the best footballer in history. Watching him move, feel the ball, do you think he couldn't handle it today? I think he would have handled without a problem, he would be better than Messi and Ronaldo.
1. I believe that Kazimierz Deyna was the best player in the history of Polish football. It's hard to explain rationally why I chose him, maybe because he was "God"? His agility, technique, ball handling ahhh. It is impossible to describe. Of course, Lewandowski is great too, but he doesn't fit in with my definition of football. Shoots? Shoots. Dribble? He doesn't dribble, which is why I just don't like his style of play.

2. I believe that there is no one right answer to this question. On the one hand, there is freedom of speech and everyone can say what they want, but on the other hand, sport is a sport, not a debate assessing whether the actions of politicians are good or bad. It should be remembered that such athletes very often manipulate people by imposing their opinions on them.

3. I love soccer and I think it is the most beautiful sport in the world! If I had to choose, I would of course choose to watch football on TV. There is nothing more fun than sitting on the couch with a cold beer after a hard day and watching a game.
Maciej Antonik said…
1. I think in any sport, comparing top players from different time periods is pointless. The way of playing a given sport is different at any given time. I think both players have been outstanding in the periods they have played. Is it possible to indicate which was better? Not necessarily. Certainly Robert Lewandowski is currently one of the best footballers in the world and Poland has something to be proud of.

2. Freedom of speech. As long as they do it in a civilized way and do not propagate harmful views, I don't mind. They are not public employees like the police, for example.

3. I don't like football. I grew up on basketball and am still a fan of it today :) I regularly follow the NBA league and watch highlights of the matches. Unfortunately, the matches are emoting at night, so there's no way I can watch them live.
Thank you Paweł and Maciek for your opinions. I partially agree with you, Maciej, that you cannot compare players from different eras, however, if you are a fan of a given type of sport, you always wonder how a legendary person would cope in today's times. Recently I watched some videos and I think Diego Armando Maradona was the best player ever. Looking at his technique, I think that he would be fine today.
Paweł, I love Kazik Deyna. You forgot to add that he is a legend of Legia Warszawa, a brilliant player who, unfortunately, did not make an international career due to the communist regime.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?
I think that Robert Lewandowski is definitely the best polish footballer. His achievments and style of scoring is without a doubt great.
2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?
Well, I guess that it's better when they're focusing on playing rather than expressing their opinions.
3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?
I like watching football rather than actually playing it. I like to watch matches with friends.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?
I like your article. Firstly, I have to say that I am not a big fan of football. I prefer to play and watch sports like volleyball or basketball, so I am not an expert. I would say that Robert Lewandowski is one of the best Polish footballers and if he is going to play
on such high level as now for few more years. I would definitely made a statement. Robert Lewandowski is the best Polish footballer ever. For now it is hard to compare him to the others from the past, because football looked different.

2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?
I consider it is not right to express their political views during match etc. Of course they could do this after match every time but not during competition. Of course, it depends what is the importance of their expression. In my opinion famous people should use their "power" to talk about difficult topics and confront them. I support them, but if it is just something like "I don't like some political option, don't vote for them, it is not necessary especially during the match". Moreover it can't hurt somebody's feelings which is not right.

3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?
As I said answering to the first question I am not a big fan of soccer. I am watching matches of our representatives, or Champions League, but that's all. Moreover I prefer to watch on TV or stadium with my friends. I am not watching games on my own.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?
I like your article. Firstly, I have to say that I am not a big fan of football. I prefer to play and watch sports like volleyball or basketball, so I am not an expert. I would say that Robert Lewandowski is one of the best Polish footballers and if he is going to play
on such high level as now for few more years. I would definitely made a statement. Robert Lewandowski is the best Polish footballer ever. For now it is hard to compare him to the others from the past, because football looked different.

2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?
I consider it is not right to express their political views during match etc. Of course they could do this after match every time but not during competition. Of course, it depends what is the importance of their expression. In my opinion famous people should use their "power" to talk about difficult topics and confront them. I support them, but if it is just something like "I don't like some political option, don't vote for them, it is not necessary especially during the match". Moreover it can't hurt somebody's feelings which is not right.

3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?
As I said answering to the first question I am not a big fan of soccer. I am watching matches of our representatives, or Champions League, but that's all. Moreover I prefer to watch on TV or stadium with my friends. I am not watching games on my own.
Zhypargul Maraeva
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?
I know only Lewandowski, I would say he is a great football player and he is everywhere in Poland, I mean in almost every ad.
2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?
Why not, I think everyone right to express their political views everywhere. It is called freedom of speech
3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?
I don't like football, I used to watch it however now I do not. and I am not a player
Interesting presentation. Answering your questions:

1. Robert Lewandowski - why? Because I mostly only hear this name and it is very popular now - you can hear that name everywhere - on bus stops, shops, on the street...

2. I have no opinion on whether athletes can express their political views during the competition. It's hard to say, but I believe that there is freedom of speech, so theoretically they can express their opinion, but on the other hand it may harm their sports career.

3. I don't like football. I don't like playing football the more. I don't usually watch football games either, but if our polish team is playing, I watch matches sometimes.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Zbigniew Boniek, or maybe someone else? Who do you consider to be the best Polish footballer? Why?

In my opinion, Robert Lewandowski is the best Polish footballer, but Zbigniew Boniek was also a really good player. Robert is my favorite Polish football player

2. Do you consider it right for athletes to express their political views during the competition?

I don't have an opinion about political topics in sport, so I can't say anything :(

3. Do you like soccer? If so, do you prefer to play alone or watch on TV / in the stadium?

Yes, I like soccer, I had the pleasure to watch a match between Poland and France a few years ago. I like to watch matches on TV too. I prefer to watch it with my friend or family, I don't like to watch TV alone.

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