Young Bielik mans up to the challenge
BIRMINGHAM City loan defender Krystian Bielik hopes his impressive substitute appearance against Wolves has proved he can handle the Championship’s “warriors”.
The 19-year-old played the final 35 minutes of Blues’ morale-boosting 2-1 win at Molineux, during which time he had to cope with the pace of Nouha Dicko and aerial strength of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
The youngster’s display earned praise from both Blues fans and supporters of his parent club, Arsenal, as the converted midfielder overcame question marks about his defending to do exceptionally well at centre-back.
And he says helping ten-man Blues hang on has given him a confidence boost – and an eye-opener. Before switching to Blues, the Poland youth international had made just one senior competitive appearance for Arsenal, with most of his football in England coming in under-23 games.
“It was a massive experience for me,” Bielik said. “I never expected that the Championship was like this. In the youth teams with Arsenal, it’s not like here.
“I have played with boys; here you just fight with big lads. You could see that with every fight, every single jump for the ball. They are like warriors, big, massive, stronger than me – but that doesn’t mean I am worse than them. It’s good that I am tall. You have to think about it and be smart with your body position and reading of the game. If you are not stronger you have to be faster than them.
“But I think I am a really good player. I can play in the air and I think that’s OK for me. I helped my team and I am really happy.
“I am confident because we won on Friday and I want to now play more. I will work hard and wait for my next chance. I hope the gaffer trusts me and if he needs me he knows I am ready.”
Leeds United provided the next test for Blues and Bielik says the win at Wolves has given everyone at Blues a lift.
“It will make us more confident now and we’re looking forward to the next game.”
Bielik admits he was unsure about changing position when he first signed for the Gunners from Legia Warsaw.
“I came to Arsenal as a midfielder and we changed position together,” he said. “It is my second year at centre-back and I feel every single game makes me a better player. At the beginning I didn’t like it. I thought ‘I am a really good midfielder’ but now I love it.”