Tomáš Rosický

Tomáš Rosický
Rosicky.jpg
Personal information
Full name Tomáš Rosický
Date of birth 4 October 1980 (1980-10-04) (age 30)
Place of birth Prague, Czechoslovakia
Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)[1][2]
Playing position Attacking midfielder
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 72 (12)
National team‡
1999 Czech Republic U21 2 (0)
2000– Czech Republic 72 (19)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 14:23, 21 August 2010 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 21:38, 11 August 2010 (UTC)

Tomáš Rosický (Czech pronunciation: [ˈtomaːʃ ˈrosɪtskiː]; born 4 October 1980 in Prague) is a Czech footballer who is currently playing his club football for Arsenal and also for the international side Czech national team. He has a brother named Jiří who used to be a footballer as well. A versatile attacking midfielder nicknamed "The Little Mozart", Rosický is known for his skill and his ability to orchestrate the midfield with his passing, Arsène Wenger described him as a player with remarkable vision and first touch.[3]

Contents

Club career

Borussia Dortmund

When Rosický first arrived at Borussia Dortmund, his arrival cost the team €14.5 million, a Bundesliga record transfer when he arrived from Sparta Prague in 2001.[4] 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. In Germany, Rosický gained the nickname "The Little Mozart" and "The Mozart of Football" for his ability to orchestrate play on the pitch.[5]

Arsenal

2006–07 season

On 23 May 2006, Arsenal confirmed that they had signed Rosický on a long-term contract.[4][6] Rosický took over the number 7 shirt, previously worn by Robert Pires.

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 2-1.[7] On 6 January 2007, he scored a brace against Liverpool in the FA Cup.[8][9] He scored his first Premiership goal against Wigan Athletic on 11 February 2007.[10] He also scored against Bolton on 14 April 2007[11] and against Manchester City on 17 April 2007.[12]He scored 6 goals in 37 apperances in all competitions in his first season at Arsenal.

2007–08 season

On 29 August, he scored in a game against his former club Sparta Prague, scoring after seven minutes with a low drive from inside the box.[13] Rosický scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Portsmouth.[14] Against Bolton Wanderers in a Premier League match he combined with Theo Walcott to score,[15] then once again against Wigan Athletic.[16] He netted again in an away game at Middlesbrough which Arsenal lost 2–1[17] and was on the scoresheet again against Everton with a low drive from the edge of the box in a 4–1 victory.[18] He again scored in the away match against Fulham. The match ended in a 3–0 victory for Arsenal.[19]

2009–10 season

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.[20] 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.[21]

On 4 January 2010, Rosický signed a new long-term 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, Arsene Wenger commented on the new deal with Rosický saying, "I have spoken many times of Tomas' class and contribution, not only on the pitch but off it as well, and I very much feel that this new contract reflects that.” [22] Rosický scored a 93rd minute equalizer in a 2–2 draw at The Emirates Stadium against Everton to give Arsenal a crucial point. His third goal of the season came against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–2 victory after Arsenal had gone down 2–0 with Rosicky beginning the Gunners’ comeback by scoring the first Arsenal goal right before half time.

In a later game against Liverpool, Rosický provided a cross for team mate Abou Diaby which he converted to give Arsenal a 1–0 victory at the Emirates 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 fetch a valuable away goal for Arsenal at the Estádio do Dragão.[23] Arsenal eventually won the tie 6–2 on aggregate.

2010–11 season

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. 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.[24][25][26] On 21 August 2010 he made his first start since April 2010 against Blackpool.[27] He made a pass that put Chamakh through on goal and Blackpool's Ian Evatt was sent off when he brought Chamakh down.[28]

International career

Rosický made his international debut in 2000 at 19 years-of-age 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 up Milan 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.

In 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.

At the beginning of the 2006–07 season, Rosický was made captain of the Czech Republic national side, replacing the retiring Pavel Nedvěd, which he has taken up very well, greatly helping the Czech Republic qualify for Euro 2008.

Rosický missed Euro 2008 due to injury. He made his return to the international fold when he started for Czech Republic on the 9 September 2009, in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Club career statistics

(correct as of 25 August 2010)
Club Season League Cup[29] Europe Total
Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
Borussia Dortmund 2001–02 24 4 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 32 5 0
2002–03 30 3 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 37 5 0
2003–04 19 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 23 2 0
2004–05 26 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 4 0
2005–06 27 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 6 0
Total 126 19 0 0 0 0 19 3 0 145 22 0
Arsenal 2006–07 26 3 3 5 2 1 6 1 0 37 6 4
2007–08 18 6 2 1 0 0 5 1 0 24 7 2
2008–09 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009–10 25 3 4 1 0 0 7 0 1 33 3 5
2010–11 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 69 12 9 7 2 1 18 2 1 94 16 11
Career total 195 31 9 7 2 1 37 5 1 239 38 11

Personal life

Rosický is reported to be a proficient guitarist, and has played live with Tři sestry. Rosický was able to hone his guitar skills during his 18 months on the sidelines because of his hamstring injury. He has even played at the Czech player of the year awards to "serenade" Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper Petr Cech as the goalkeeper received the Czech player of the year award.[30]

Honours

With Sparta Prague

Winner:

With Borussia Dortmund

Winner:

Runner-up:

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Tomas Rosicky". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/players/r/rosicky_195916.stm. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  2. ↑ "7 Tomás Rosický" (in German). transfermarkt.de. 16 July 2008. http://www.transfermarkt.de/de/spieler/132/rosicky-tomas/profil.html. Retrieved 16 July 2008. 
  3. ↑ Rosicky signs new contract with Arsenal, arsenal.com. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Arsenal secure Rosicky transfer". BBC Sport. 23 May 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/5008544.stm. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  5. ↑ David Hytner (15 August 2007). "Little Mozart goes home intending to upset his first love". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2007/aug/15/newsstory.championsleague1. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  6. ↑ "Czech midfielder Rosicky signs for Arsenal". Arsenal.com. 23 May 2006. http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/czech-midfielder-rosicky-signs-for-arsenal. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  7. ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2345744/Rosicky-rocket-sinks-10-man-Hamburg.html
  8. ↑ http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/01/06/england.liverpool/index.html?eref=rss_latest
  9. ↑ "Liverpool 1–3 Arsenal". BBC. 6 January 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6213931.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  10. ↑ "Arsenal 2–1 Wigan". BBC. 11 February 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6327211.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  11. ↑ "Arsenal 2–1 Bolton". BBC. 14 April 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6534721.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  12. ↑ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=215178&cc=4716
  13. ↑ Phil Harlow (29 August 2007). "Arsenal 3–0 Sparta Prague (5–0)". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6964144.stm. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  14. ↑ "Arsenal 3–1 Portsmouth". BBC. 2 September 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963718.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  15. ↑ "Arsenal 2–0 Bolton". BBC. 20 October 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7042999.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  16. ↑ "Arsenal 2–0 Wigan". BBC. 24 November 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7099687.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  17. ↑ "Middlesbrough 2–1 Arsenal". BBC. 9 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7122808.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  18. ↑ "Everton 1–4 Arsenal". BBC. 29 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157408.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  19. ↑ "Fulham 0–3 Arsenal". BBC. 19 January 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7184820.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  20. ↑ "Tomas Rosicky injury stuns Arsenal". London: dailymail.co.uk. 6 August 2009. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1204716/Tomas-Rosicky-injury-stuns-Arsenal-Czech-star-ruled-weeks.html. Retrieved 6 August 2009. 
  21. ↑ "City fire out title warning". skysports.com. http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3149457,00.html. Retrieved 12 September 2009. 
  22. ↑ "Tomas Rosicky signs new deal at Arsenal". BBC Sport. 1 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8440284.stm. Retrieved 1 April 2009. 
  23. ↑ "Diaby resuscitates title hopes". skysports.com. http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19762,11065_3221548,00.html. Retrieved 12 February 2010. 
  24. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1303360/Liverpool-1-Arsenal-1-Reds-old-spirit-Joe-Coles-card-anguish.html
  25. ↑ http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/media-watch/liverpool-1-1-arsenal-3
  26. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8909559.stm
  27. ↑ http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-s-Tomas-Rosicky-tells-Theo-Walcott-to-ignore-Alan-Hansen-jibes-article562303.html
  28. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8925678.stm
  29. ↑ Includes FA Cup, League Cup and FA Community Shield
  30. ↑ "Rock on, Tommy! Arsenal maestro Tomas Rosicky turns guitar hero to serenade Chelsea keeper Petr Cech". London: Dailymail.co.uk. 2 March 2010. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254842/Arsenal-maestro-Tomas-Rosicky-turns-guitar-hero-serenade-Chelsea-keeper-Petr-Cech-Czech-Player-Year-awards.html. Retrieved 12 March 2010. 

External links

Arsenal F.C. – current squad

1 Almunia · 2 Diaby · 3 Sagna · 4 Fàbregas (c) · 5 Vermaelen · 6 Koscielny · 7 Rosický · 8 Nasri · 10 van Persie · 11 Vela · 14 Walcott · 15 Denílson · 17 Song · 18 Squillaci · 19 Wilshere · 20 Djourou · 21 Fabiański · 22 Clichy · 23 Arshavin · 27 Eboué · 28 Gibbs · 29 Chamakh · 52 Bendtner · 53 Szczęsny · Manager: Wenger