Vladimir Smicer (Midfielder)
Date of Birth: 24/5/73
Squad number: 7
Height: 5'10" (1.80m)
Weight: 11st 13lb (76kg)
Characteristics: Lively, agile, skillful and a
good team player
Former clubs: Slavia Prague, RC Lens
Birth Place: Decin, Czech Republic (then
Czechoslovakia)
Czech star Vladimir Smicer signed for Slavia Prague in his homeland at
the age of fourteen and he was offered his first professional contract
four years later.
He spent five years with Slavia Prague, scoring goals on a regular basis,
but unfortunately one season was lost due to a serious injury. Smicer is perhaps best remembered in this country for the role he played in
helping his country to the final of Euro '96 against the odds.
Following Euro '96 he had many offers from clubs all over Europe and
eventually he chose to sign for French side RC Lens. He helped them to the French title season 1997-98 and to the French Cup in 1998-99.
With Steve McManaman on his way out of Anfield, Reds boss Gérard Houllier earmarked Smicer as a replacement and, despite considerable
interest from Paris St Germain, Smicer chose to sign for Liverpool and a link up with close friend and international team mate Patrik Berger.
He couldn't have made a better start to his Anfield career as he scored
within minutes of his Liverpool debut when he came off the substitutes bench in a friendly game with Feyenoord and slotted home the Reds'
first goal of the game. His goalscoring record at club level (debut competitive goal came after his 18th appearance) may not match his
wonderful international statistics, but his trickery on the ball and
willingness to shoot from distance have always been enough to keep opposing defences on their toes.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries prevented him from showing more than flashes of brilliance for the first few months of his Liverpool career.