Former Sunderland goalkeeper Max Stryjek has joined League Two promotion hopefuls Crewe Alexandra on an initial seven-day emergency loan, it has been confirmed.
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The Polish shot-stopper has spent the majority of the campaign as the first-choice between the sticks at Wycombe Wanderers. However, recent errors have meant that manager Matt Bloomfield has opted to use Argentine Franco Ravizzoli in net instead.
Stryjek has been the subject of criticism from Wycombe supporters for costly mistakes that he made throughout the campaign, including a howler against Barnsley back in November which gifted the Tykes three points while the 27-year-old was sent off just after half-time in a 1-0 defeat to Stevenage in February.
Barnsley have just scored this goal in the 91st minute against Wycombe…
What is the keeper thinking?? 🤣 pic.twitter.com/MmzXrM3MLB
— The92Bible (@The92Bible) November 28, 2023
Following the loss to Steve Evans’ side, Ravizzoli came into the team and managed to keep a clean sheet against Cheltenham Town at Adams Park. In fact, Stryjek hasn’t returned to the starting lineup for the Chairboys since and has now been sent out on loan to Crewe in the division below.
The Alex are currently sitting fifth in England’s fourth tier and are vying for a return to League One. Injuries to Tom Booth and Harvey Davies have meant that Lee Bell currently has no fit goalkeeper in his squad, hence why Stryjek was signed on an emergency loan.
In a statement on their website, Crewe wished the Sunderland academy product the best of luck during his brief time at the club.
“Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to welcome Max and wish him all the best during his time at Gresty Road.”
Writer’s View
For Crewe, this is a really good signing in a crisis as the club look to get themselves back to the third tier, a feat which would be practically impossible without a quality goalkeeper. Furthermore, Stryjek has plenty of experience playing in a higher-quality league so League Two should be relatively easy for him to adapt to.
However, it’s quite unfortunate that his career has taken a massive step backwards over the past two months. Having been the number ‘1’ goalkeeper for a mid-table League One outfit just two months ago, Stryjek has had to drop down a division just to receive some game-time.
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