Arsenal man’s character questioned after error-filled international performance | OneFootball

Jakub Kiwior, the Arsenal defender, has found himself at the centre of criticism following a difficult performance in Poland’s UEFA Nations League match against Scotland.

Despite Poland leading 2-0 at half-time, Kiwior was withdrawn after a series of mistakes in the first 45 minutes, a move that has sparked debate about both his form and his character.

BERLIN, GERMANY: Jakub Kiwior of Poland looks dejected after the team’s defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Poland and Austria at Olympiastadion on June 21, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Kiwior, who made 30 appearances for Arsenal last season, has yet to feature in the Premier League this campaign.

His absence from the Arsenal lineup has drawn attention in Poland, where some believe his lack of regular playing time is affecting his confidence on the international stage.

In the match against Scotland, Kiwior’s errors nearly led to a number of goals for the opposition, leading to his substitution at the break.

CARDIFF, WALES: Krzysztof Piatek, Jakub Kiwior and Bartosz Salamon of Poland celebrate after victory in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-Offs Final match between Wales and Poland at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2024. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Polish journalist Mateusz Borek, speaking on Kanal Sportowy, questioned Kiwior’s temperament, suggesting that the defender may be too passive both on and off the pitch. “The character of Kuba Kiwior is also a problem. He is a very polite and well-behaved boy who does not say his grievances out loud. He does not question certain choices, and sometimes it is simply easier for the louder ones. Sometimes, for example, you can somehow force the club to make a decision,” said Borek.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

This critique comes amidst Kiwior’s struggle for game time at Arsenal, with the return of Jurriën Timber from injury and the signing of Riccardo Calafiori pushing him further down the pecking order.

Kiwior was reportedly open to a loan move during the summer transfer window, but no deal materialised, and he remains with the club until 2028.

Porto’s Portuguese striker #70 Goncalo Borges (L) fights for the ball with Arsenal’s Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Polish media have not held back in their assessment of Kiwior’s performance against Scotland. Gazeta.pl criticised the defender, stating: “If a defender doesn’t play regularly for his club, then he often looks like Jakub Kiwior in Glasgow. That is, very bad. Kiwior played nervously from the start, made stupid fouls near the penalty area, [and] made easy mistakes when bringing the ball out.”

Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior (L) and Nuernberg’s Japanese forward Daichi Hayashi vie for the ball during the pre-season friendly football match FC Nuernberg vs FC Arsenal in Nuremberg, on July 13, 2023. (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

SUPERexpress was equally harsh in its appraisal: “What was that supposed to be? Mistake after mistake in the first half. After his errors, there was a real mess in front of the Polish goal. A downright disastrous performance, only thanks to luck we didn’t concede a few goals because of his mistakes.”

Meczyki added: “Very poor performance by Kiwior. He looked by far the worst of the trio of central defenders. If the opponents had been more effective, especially towards the end of the first half, they could have scored two goals after his mistakes. It was not without reason that he was replaced at half-time.”

Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Ex-Poland international Marek Koźmiński echoed these concerns, stating that Kiwior’s lack of game time at Arsenal could have long-term consequences for his role in the national team. “Perhaps he made a big mistake, because he had the opportunity to leave the English team in the summer transfer window. Of course, his form in the club will strongly affect the form in the Polish national team,” Koźmiński said in an interview with Futbol.pl.

Despite the criticism, Poland managed to hold on for a 3-2 win over Scotland. However, the focus remains on whether Kiwior will retain his place in the national team for their next UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia on Sunday, 8 September.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

His recent struggles could see him dropped for the first time since his debut for Poland, where he had previously started 27 matches in a row.

Kiwior’s situation at Arsenal, where he has yet to secure playing time this season, coupled with his shaky international form, leaves him facing a challenging road ahead.