Coming to Charlotte as an MLS Designated Player, there was a lot of pressure on Karol Swiderski to be the star for Charlotte FC. While he had a few struggles with consistency, he largely lived up to the hype for a first-year team that performed well above expectations.
Swiderski was called up to the Polish senior team for the first time in March 2021, scoring in his debut against Andorra in a World Cup qualification match. The 25 year-old forward was then included in the Poland squad for the delayed Euro 2020, and has gone on to make 17 caps in the last year and a half. He has scored eight goals for his country, five of which came during their qualification campaign.
Swiderski spent the majority of the season playing as a traditional number nine, but excelled in the last few games in a more withdrawn position playing behind the striker. This could be a big asset for Poland as it would allow him to compliment Robert Lewandowski's abilities. His creativity can be used to help fashion chances for his teammates, and his assist numbers should increase playing with a forward as lethal in front of goal as Lewandowski. The two showed a good connection in the Nations League in September when Lewandowski assisted Swiderski for the winning goal against Wales.
Poland would also be able to use Swiderski's pressing ability to relieve some of the pressure from Lewandowski. Among MLS forwards, he ranked in the top five percent in successful pressure percentage, top ten percent in tackles in the final third, and top 25 percent in terms of ball recoveries.
Swiderski finished the MLS season with 10 goals and 6 assists in 30 appearances.
