THE SQUAD
Vladimir Smicer (Source: Soccernet)

Signed as a replacement for Steve McManaman in July 1999, Smicer joined Liverpool for £4.2million from Lens to link up with close friend and international team-mate Patrik Berger.

He spent five years with Slavia Prague, scoring goals on a regular basis and played a large part in helping the Czech Republic to the final of Euro '96. He also played for his country during their disappointing Euro 2000 campaign and was the Czechs' two goal hero against Denmark.

Smicer signed for French side RC Lens from Slavia Prague in 1996 and helped them to the French title in 1997/98 and the French Cup in 1998/99.

Trickery on the ball and a willingness to shoot from distance are his main positive characteristics but on the negative side his first season was wrecked by injury.

He came on in leaps and bounds during the 2000/01 season and was often used as a substitute to turn a match with his close control and ability to run with the ball.

Smicer can play in midfield or up-front and was used just behind the front two as Houllier's charges romped to the FA, Worthington and UEFA Cup treble in 2001.

The signing of Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf, and latterly Harry Kewell, seemed to put his Liverpool future in doubt, but he remained very much part of Gerard Houllier's plans.

Smicer was named in the Czech Republic's squad for Euro 2004, featuring in three matches. He'll certainly remember his 88th minute winner against Holland which completed an amazing comeback from 2-0 down.





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