Krzysztof Piatek, a name that has been whispered with excitement throughout footballing circles, has finally arrived in the Bundesliga, joining Hertha Berlin. The Polish striker, known as ‘Il Pistolero’ (The Gunslinger), is fresh off a spell in Italy’s Serie A where he established himself as one of the league’s most feared forwards.
This article dives into the story of this rising star, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a goal-scoring sensation.
From Local Talent to Serie A Sensation
Born in Dzierzoniow, Poland, in 1995, Piatek’s journey began with Zaglebie Lubin in 2013, where he notched 18 goals in 85 appearances. A move to Cracovia followed, where he truly burst onto the scene with 32 goals in 63 matches. His impressive performances caught the eye of Genoa, who brought him to Italy in 2018.
Piatek’s arrival at Genoa was nothing short of sensational. He became the first player in the club’s history to net four goals on his competitive debut, a stunning feat achieved in the Coppa Italia. This was just the beginning of his goal-scoring rampage. He found the back of the net in each of his first seven Serie A games, a feat last achieved by the legendary Gabriel Batistuta. Piatek’s goalscoring prowess continued, ultimately netting 19 goals in just 21 appearances, making him a hot commodity in the transfer market.
A Move to Milan and Comparisons to Lewandowski
Milan came calling in January 2019, and Piatek continued his prolific run, scoring four goals in four consecutive games. He was also the fastest player in Milan history to reach six goals, surpassing the legendary Nils Liedholm. His meteoric rise didn’t go unnoticed; he finished the season with 22 goals in 37 games, placing him third on the league’s top scorer list, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo!
Naturally, comparisons to his Polish compatriot, Robert Lewandowski, have been inevitable. While Piatek acknowledges the similarities, he sees them as a compliment to his nation’s all-time top scorer. Both strikers are tall, aerial threats who excel inside the box and possess a knack for finishing chances.
The Gunslinger Arrives in Berlin
With Hertha Berlin securing his services, Piatek arrives in the Bundesliga with a reputation as a proven goalscorer and a strong attacking presence. The club’s sporting director, Michael Preetz, has high hopes for their new signing, stating, “With Krzysztof we’re getting a very talented striker who’s already proven himself at the highest level in Serie A and with the national team with his goal threat and attacking quality.”
Piatek’s arrival brings a wave of excitement to Hertha Berlin. His goal-scoring prowess and the buzz around his arrival could be the spark they need to achieve success in the Bundesliga. As Davide Ballardini, Piatek’s former coach at Genoa, puts it, “He really does seem to be the complete package. I get the feeling he can truly become an important player.”
The Bundesliga fans are eager to witness ‘Il Pistolero’ in action and see if he can live up to his reputation. One thing is for sure: Piatek’s arrival in the Bundesliga is sure to create waves, and his goal-scoring exploits will surely be a sight to behold.
