Tomáš Rosický
 Rosický playing for Arsenal in 2007 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tomáš Rosický | ||
| Date of birth | 4 October 1980 | ||
| Place of birth | Prague, Czechoslovakia | ||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1] | ||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder / Winger | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Arsenal | ||
| Number | 7 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1986–1988 | ČKD Kompresory Prague | ||
| 1988–1998 | Sparta Prague | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1998–2001 | Sparta Prague | 41 | (8) |
| 2001–2006 | Borussia Dortmund | 149 | (20) |
| 2006– | Arsenal | 155 | (17) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 1995–1996 | Czech Republic U15 | 10 | (0) |
| 1996 | Czech Republic U16 | 12 | (5) |
| 1997–1998 | Czech Republic U17 | 16 | (6) |
| 1998–1999 | Czech Republic U18 | 9 | (3) |
| 1999 | Czech Republic U21 | 2 | (0) |
| 2000– | Czech Republic | 94 | (22) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:10, 11 May 2014 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 00:26, 6 March 2014 (UTC) | |||
Tomáš Rosický (Czech pronunciation: [ˈtomaːʃ ˈrosɪt͡skiː]; born 4 October 1980) is a Czech footballer who plays for Arsenal and the Czech Republic national team. He started his professional career at his hometown club AC Sparta Prague, playing three seasons in the Czech Gambrinus Liga before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2001 for what was a record transfer fee paid by aBundesliga club. He joined Arsenal in 2006.
Internationally, Rosický made his debut for the Czech Republic in 2000 and became captain of his country in 2006. He has taken part in three UEFA European Championships as well as the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was nicknamed "the little Mozart" for his ability to orchestrate the midfield. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has described him as a player with remarkable vision, precision and first touch.[2]
Contents
[hide]Club career[edit]
Sparta Prague[edit]
Rosický began his career at AC Sparta Prague, following his father Jiří and brother, also called Jiří who had previously represented the club.[3] Tomáš debuted for Sparta in 1998 and scored five goals in the 1999–2000 season as the team won thenational title. He was named the "Talent of the Year" at the 1999 Czech Footballer of the Year awards.[4] During the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored goals in matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal, attracting the attention of German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund who had a bid accepted for the player in January 2001.[5]
Borussia Dortmund[edit]
On 9 January 2001, Rosický joined Borussia Dortmund, for a fee of DM 25 million (approximately £18 million), making him the most expensive player in Bundesliga history and the most expensive Czech player of all time.[5][6] In his first full season at Borussia, Rosický helped the club to win the 2001–02 Bundesliga title.
Rosický's reputation grew during his time at Dortmund and, during the latter stages of his spell at the club, Dortmund were in substantial financial trouble and could not hold onto him despite recognising his influence on the team. Press reports linked him with big money transfers to Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Rosický expressed a desire for Dortmund to allow him to leave at the end of the 2005–06 season, and the arrival of South African Steven Pienaar was made in preparation for Rosický's departure.
Arsenal[edit]
2006–07 season[edit]
On 23 May 2006, Arsenal confirmed that they had signed then 25-year-old Rosický on a long-term contract.[6][7] Rosický took over the number 7 shirt, previously worn by Robert Pirès.
He made his competitive debut for Arsenal on 8 August 2006 in a 3–0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in a Champions League qualifier.[8] He scored his first Arsenal goal on 13 September 2006 against Hamburg in Arsenal's first Champions League game of the season, which Arsenal won by two goals to one.[9] On 6 January 2007, he scored a brace against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.[10][11] He scored his first Premier League goal against Wigan Athletic on 11 February 2007.[12] He also scored against Bolton Wanderers on 14 April 2007[13] and against Manchester City on 17 April 2007.[14] He scored six goals in 37 appearances in all competitions in his debut season at Arsenal.
2007–08 season[edit]
On 29 August, he scored in a Champions League qualifier against his former club Sparta, scoring after seven minutes with a low drive from inside the box.[15] Rosický scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Portsmouth.[16] Against Bolton Wanderers in a Premier League match he combined with Theo Walcott to score,[17] then once again against Wigan Athletic.[18] He netted again in an away game at Middlesbrough which Arsenal lost 2–1[19] and was on the scoresheet again against Everton with a low drive from the edge of the box in a 4–1 victory.[20] He again scored in an away match against Fulham, which ended in a 3–0 victory for Arsenal.[21] A tendon injury sustained in an FA Cup match against Newcastle United in January 2008 resulted in him playing no more matches that season.[22]
2009–10 season[edit]
Rosický did not feature for Arsenal during the 2008–09 season due to his hamstring tendon injury. He eventually returned to full training in May 2009, after eighteen months of absence. In early August 2009, he had again picked up another niggling injury, this time straining his hamstring, and it was thought that he would be out for about six weeks.[23] He returned to first team action as a substitute in the league on 12 September 2009, setting up the first goal and scoring the second in a 4–2 defeat away to Manchester City.[24]
On 4 January 2010, Rosický signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with Arsenal stating, ""It's felt like home since I arrived here four years ago and I believe we're on the verge of achieving something special together." Manager of Arsenal, Arsène Wenger commented on the new deal with Rosický saying, "I have spoken many times of Tomáš' class and contribution, not only on the pitch but off it as well, and I very much feel that this new contract reflects that."[25] Rosický scored an injury time equaliser in a 2–2 draw at The Emirates Stadium against Everton to give Arsenal a crucial point.[26] His third goal of the season came against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–2 victory after Arsenal had gone down 2–0 with Rosický beginning the Gunners’ comeback by scoring the first Arsenal goal right before half time.[27]
In a later game against Liverpool, Rosický provided a cross for team mate Abou Diaby which he converted to give Arsenal a 1–0 on 10 February 2010. Rosický again provided an assist against FC Porto in the Champions League, as he headed back a corner kick from the far post into the danger area, setting up Sol Campbell to score a valuable away goal for Arsenal at the Estádio do Dragão.[28] Arsenal eventually won the tie 6–2 on aggregate.
2010–11 season[edit]
On 15 August 2010, in the first Premier League match of the season, Rosický was brought on as a substitute when Arsenal were trailing by a goal to Liverpool at Anfield, when he attempted a chip effort after a run that Pepe Reina stretched out his right hand to flick it over the bar. In the 89th minute, he produced a cross that was diverted by Marouane Chamakh against the post. The rebound was spilled by Reina into his own net.[29][30][31] On 21 August 2010, he made his first start since April 2010 against Blackpool, playing the full 90 minutes in the 6–0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. On 28 August 2010, against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, Rosický replaced Cesc Fàbregas on 68 minutes.[32] He made a pass that put Chamakh through on goal and Blackpool's Ian Evatt was sent off when he brought Chamakh down. On 20 February 2011, he scored his first goal of the campaign in an FA Cup tie away to Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road with a 53rd minute header, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw. This was Rosický's first goal for Arsenal in thirteen months to the day, when he scored the first of four goals in a 4–2 home victory over Bolton Wanderers after being 2–0 down. On 27 February 2011, he started the2011 Football League Cup Final against Birmingham City in the 2–1 defeat, playing the full 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium, because of the injured Fàbregas, and would then later captain the Gunners in the game after Robin van Persie went off struggling with an injury for Nicklas Bendtner. On 12 March 2011, he came on for Andrey Arshavin on 72 minutes in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford and also had an effort well saved by Edwin van der Sar. Towards the back end of the season, he was ruled out for a few matches with niggling injuries. At the end of the campaign, Rosický made 34 appearances in total, scoring one goal in all competitions for the Gunners as they finished fourth in the Premier League.
2011–12 season[edit]
On 16 October 2011, Rosický started in a league game against Sunderland and was instrumental in the build-up play which led to the first goal for Robin van Persie after just 28 seconds into the game. He received praise for his performance in the game which Arsenal won 2–1. He had started a few games in 2012, one however being a 4–0 loss to Milan in which he played left wing and struggled to make an influence on the game despite outplaying his midfield team mates.
After struggling for form for several seasons, Rosický's Arsenal career was somewhat rekindled from late February 2012. On 26 February 2012, Rosický scored in the 50th minute against Tottenham Hotspur. It was his first league goal in two years for Arsenal, and a crucial goal as it influenced a comeback Arsenal went on to win the game 5–2. Rosický's performance earned him the man of the match award chosen by voters on Arsenal.com. He then put in a controlling display against Liverpool at Anfield, in a 2–1 win. Rosický scored the second goal, and won UEFA's man of the match award for his controlling display, in a 3–0 home win against Milan, as he played as an attacking midfielder. Some observers put Arsenal's resurgence down to Rosický's positive form, as the Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger stated "He was again outstanding tonight. In all of these games, he was one of the influential players and he does not always get the credit he deserves, so I would like to take this opportunity to give him this credit."[33] Rosický signed a new contract with Arsenal on 12 March 2012 before playing an influential role the next day in a 2–1 home win over Newcastle United. His rejuvenation did not go unrecognised by the Arsenal fans, who voted him third in the Arsenal.com Player of the Season poll. He was even given the nickname of 'Mozart Reborn'.[34]
2012–13 season[edit]
After picking up a serious injury at Euro 2012,[35] Rosický returned to the Arsenal side in their 2–0 home defeat to Swansea City on 1 December 2012, replacing Jack Wilshere in the 79th minute.[36] He made his Champions League debut for the season three days later, featuring in a depleted Arsenal line-up against Olympiacos in Greece, scoring the opening goal as Arsenal fell 2–1 and had to settle for second place in the group behind Schalke.[37] Continuing his comeback, he played against League Two side Bradford City in a 3–2 defeat on penalties after a 1–1 draw after extra time which sent Arsenal crashing out of the League Cup.[38] He scored twice against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, earning his team an important 2–1 victory.[39]
2013–14 season[edit]
Rosický started in Arsenal's first three Premier League fixtures, a 3–1 opening day defeat to Aston Villa, 3–1 win against Fulham where he was substituted for Jack Wilshere and a 1–0 win against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Rosický didn't feature in another game until 1 October, against Napoli due to injury while on international duty with Czech Republic, he featured in Arsenal next fixtures, including facing his former club Borussia Dortmund in a 2–1 defeat, he was applauded by his former fans when being substituted for Serge Gnabry. Rosický's good form continued, on 4 January 2014, Rosický scored his first goal of the season in a 2–0 win in the FA Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, his first since April 2013 when he scored twice against West Bromwich Albion. During the 2–1 victory against Aston Villa just over a week later, he broke his nose after a challenge by Gabriel Agbonlahor, he underwent surgery and appeared in training wearing a protective mask, he was an unused substitute in the 2–0 win against Fulham, a few days later. On 4 March 2014, Rosický signed a new contract deal with the Gunners.[40] On 17 March 2014, Rosický scored Arsenal's winning goal in a 1–0 North London Derby victory for Arsenal, against Tottenham, at White Hart Lane. [41] On 17 May, Rosický came on as an extra time substitute in the 2014 FA Cup Final as Arsenal beat Hull City 3–2 at Wembley Stadium.[42]
International career[edit]
Rosický made his international debut in 2000 at the age of 19 against the Republic of Ireland. He played for his country at Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 and helped the side qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Rosický shone for his country in the group stages of the qualification campaign, scoring several goals from the penalty spot and setting upMilan Baroš and Jan Koller in particular with accurate and precise passing. He also scored the winning goal in the second leg of the Czech Republic's play-off against Norway to ensure qualification for the finals.[43]
At the 2006 World Cup finals, Rosický scored two goals in the Czech Republic's opening match on 12 June 2006 in a 3–0 victory over the United States, one of which was from 35 yards out and was nominated for the 2006 World Cup best goal. The Czech Republic went out at the World Cup in the group stages, with Rosický forced to move into the attack after injuries to both of the country's star strikers, Jan Koller and Milan Baroš.
In August 2006, Rosický was made captain of the Czech Republic national side, replacing the retiring Pavel Nedvěd in advance of the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying process.[44]
Rosický missed Euro 2008 due to injury, announcing his absence in May 2008.[22] He returned to international football when he started for the Czech Republic on 9 September 2009, in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino. On 9 February 2011, he started in an international friendly match against Croatia at Stadion Maksimir, and scored a goal in the 45th minute in a 4–2 defeat. On 10 August 2011, he started for Czech Republic against Norway in a 3–0 defeat and was substituted on 68 minutes in Oslo.
Rosický captained the Czech Republic in their opening two matches at UEFA Euro 2012. However, an achilles tendon injury in the second match, a 2–1 win over Greece[45] ended Rosický's tournament, as the Czechs were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Portugal.[46]
Style of play[edit]
Rosický has been described as a player having remarkable vision and passing ability along with a good first touch. He is also well known for preferring to use his outside of the foot for passing and shooting.[47] In Germany, Rosický gained the nickname "The Little Mozart" and "The Mozart of Football" for his ability to orchestrate play on the pitch.[48]
Wenger said of Rosický: 'He is a real Arsenal man because he is here for a long time. He is really a football player who presents the way we want to play football, because he's a team player who has pace, has a quick brain, understands the game well, and I always like to have him in the team because of all these qualities.' [49]
Career statistics[edit]
Club[edit]
 | This section does not cite any references or sources. (April 2014) |
- As of match played 11 May 2014[citation needed]
| Club | Season | League | Cup[50] | Europe | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Sparta Prague | 1998–99 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 0 |
| 1999–2000 | 24 | 5 | - | - | 12 | 2 | 36 | 7 | |
| 2000–01 | 14 | 3 | - | - | 6 | 2 | 20 | 5 | |
| Total | 41 | 8 | - | - | 18 | 4 | 59 | 12 | |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2000–01 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| 2001–02 | 30 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 49 | 6 | |
| 2002–03 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 39 | 6 | |
| 2003–04 | 19 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 26 | 2 | |
| 2004–05 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 4 | |
| 2005–06 | 28 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 5 | |
| Total | 149 | 20 | 11 | 1 | 26 | 3 | 186 | 24 | |
| Arsenal | 2006–07 | 26 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 37 | 6 |
| 2007–08 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 24 | 7 | |
| 2008–09 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2009–10 | 25 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 33 | 3 | |
| 2010–11 | 21 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2011–12 | 28 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2012–13 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 3 | |
| 2013–14 | 27 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 38 | 3 | |
| Total | 155 | 17 | 23 | 4 | 42 | 4 | 220 | 25 | |
| Career total | 345 | 45 | 34 | 5 | 86 | 11 | 465 | 60 | |
International[edit]
| Czech Republic national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2000 | 8 | 0 |
| 2001 | 10 | 2 |
| 2002 | 6 | 3 |
| 2003 | 7 | 1 |
| 2004 | 13 | 3 |
| 2005 | 8 | 6 |
| 2006 | 9 | 2 |
| 2007 | 7 | 2 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 3 | 0 |
| 2010 | 6 | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 1 |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 | 5 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 94 | 22 |
International goals[edit]
- Scores and results list Czech Republic's goal tally first.
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 6 October 2001 | Letná Stadium, Prague |  Bulgaria | 1–0 | 6–0 | 2002 World Cup qualifier |
| 2. | 5–0 | |||||
| 3. | 21 August 2002 | Andrův stadion, Olomouc |  Slovakia | 3–1 | 4–1 | Friendly |
| 4. | 4–1 | |||||
| 5. | 12 October 2002 | Stadionul Republican, Chişinău |  Moldova | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2002 World Cup qualifier |
| 6. | 30 April 2003 | Na Stínadlech, Teplice |  Turkey | 1–0 | 4–0 | Friendly |
| 7. | 18 February 2004 | Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo |  Italy | 2–2 | 2–2 | Friendly |
| 8. | 2 June 2004 | Toyota Arena, Prague | Bulgaria | 3–0 | 3–1 | Friendly |
| 9. | 13 October 2004 | Republican Stadium, Yerevan |  Armenia | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 10. | 26 March 2005 | Na Stínadlech, Teplice |  Finland | 2–0 | 4–3 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 11. | 30 March 2005 | Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella, Andorra la Vella |  Andorra | 4–0 | 4–0 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 12. | 4 June 2005 | Stadion u Nisy, Liberec | Andorra | 6–1 | 8–1 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 13. | 8 June 2005 | Na Stínadlech, Teplice |  Macedonia | 5–1 | 6–1 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 14. | 12 October 2005 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki | Finland | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 15. | 16 November 2005 | Toyota Arena, Prague |  Norway | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2006 World Cup qualifier |
| 16. | 12 June 2006 | FIFA WM Stadion Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen |  United States | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2006 World Cup |
| 17. | 3–0 | |||||
| 18. | 8 September 2007 | Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle |  San Marino | 1–0 | 3–0 | Euro 2008 qualifier |
| 19. | 17 November 2007 | AXA Stadium, Prague | Slovakia | 3–1 | 3–1 | Euro 2008 qualifier |
| 20. | 9 February 2011 | Stadion Aldo Drosina, Pula |  Croatia | 2–2 | 2–4 | Friendly |
| 21. | 6 September 2013 | Eden Arena, Prague | Armenia | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2014 World Cup qualifier |
| 22. | 5 March 2014 | Eden Arena, Prague | Norway | 1–0 | 2–2 | Friendly |
Personal life[edit]
Rosický is the son of former league footballer Jiří Rosický, who played as a defender in a career spanning 15 years.[4] He is reported to be a proficient guitarist, and has played live with Tři sestry.[52] Rosický was able to hone his guitar skills during his 18 months on the sidelines because of his hamstring injury.[52] He even played at the 2009 Czech Footballer of the Year awards to "serenade" Petr Čech as the Chelsea goalkeeper won the main award.[52]
Honours[edit]
Sparta Prague
Borussia Dortmund
- Bundesliga: 2001–02
- UEFA Cup: Runner-up 2001-02
- DFB-Ligapokal: Runner-up 2003
Arsenal
Individual
- Czech Footballer of the Year (3): 2001, 2002, 2006
- Golden Ball (Czech Republic): 2002
- Czech Talent of the Year: 1999
- Arsenal Player of the Month: March 2012, April 2012
- Player of the Year (Bundesliga) 2005, 2006
- Young Player of the Year (Bundesliga) 2002
- Highest number of assists (Bundesliga) 2002, 2005, 2006
No comments:
Post a Comment