Tomáš Rosický

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Tomáš Rosický

Rosický playing for Arsenal in 2007
Personal information
Full nameTomáš Rosický
Date of birth (1980-10-04) 4 October 1980
Place of birthPrague, Czech Republic
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Playing positionAttacking midfielder / Winger
Club information
Current clubArsenal
Number7
Youth career
1986–1988ČKD Kompresory Prague
1988–1998Sparta Prague
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1998–2001Sparta Prague41(8)
2001–2006Borussia Dortmund149(20)
2006–Arsenal142(15)
National team‡
1995–1996Czech Republic U1510(0)
1996Czech Republic U1612(5)
1997–1998Czech Republic U1716(6)
1998–1999Czech Republic U189(3)
1999Czech Republic U212(0)
2000–Czech Republic94(21)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:26, 2 February 2014 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 09:21, 24 December 2013 (UTC)

Tomáš Rosický (Czech pronunciation: [ˈtomaːʃ ˈrosɪt͡skiː]; born 4 October 1980) is a Czech footballer who plays for Arsenal and captains the Czech national team. He moved to Arsenal in 2006 from Borussia Dortmund. He has a brother named Jiří who was also a footballer. 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] He was born in Prague and started his career at his hometown club AC Sparta Praha.

Club career

Sparta Prague

Rosický began his career at AC Sparta Praha, following his brother 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 the national title. 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 of DM 25m accepted for the player in January 2001.[4]

Borussia Dortmund

Rosický with Borussia Dortmund in 2006

On 9 January 2001, Rosický joined Borussia Dortmund, for a fee of €14.5 million, making him the most expensive player in Bundesliga history and the most expensive Czech player of all time.[5] 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. In Germany, Rosický gained the nickname "The Little Mozart" and "The Mozart of Football" for his ability to orchestrate play on the pitch.[6]

Arsenal

2006–07 season

On 23 May 2006, Arsenal confirmed that they had signed then 25-year-old Rosický on a long-term contract.[5][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 Premiership 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

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.[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 the away match against Fulham. The match ended in a 3–0 victory for Arsenal.[21]

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.[22] 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.[23]

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 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."[24] Rosický scored an injury time equaliser in a 2–2 draw at The Emirates Stadium against Everton to give Arsenal a crucial point.[25] 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.[26]

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 F.C. 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.[27] Arsenal eventually won the tie 6–2 on aggregate.

2010–11 season

Alt text
Rosický playing in the Premier League against Birmingham City

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.[28][29][30] 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.[31] 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 the 2011 Football League Cup final match 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 fellow 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

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."[32] 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'.[33]

2012–13 season

After picking up a serious injury at Euro 2012,[34] Rosický returned to the Arsenal side in their 2–0 home defeat to Swansea on 1 December 2012, replacing Jack Wilshere in the 79th minute.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37] He scored twice against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, earning his team an important 2–1 victory.[38]

2013–14 season

Rosicky started in Arsenal's first 3 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. Rosicky didn't feature in another game until 1 October, against Napoil 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. Rosicky's good form continued, on 4 January 2014, Rosicky scored his first goal of the season in a 2-0 win in the FA Cup against Spurs, his first since April when he scored twice against West Brom. 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.

International career

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 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.[39]

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 took up very well, greatly helping the Czech Republic qualify for Euro 2008.

Rosický missed Euro 2008 due to injury. 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[40] ended Rosický's tournament, as the Czechs were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Portugal.[41]

Style of play

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.[42]

Wenger said of Rosicky: '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.' [43]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 2 February 2014[citation needed]
Club Season League Cup[44] Europe Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sparta Prague 1998–99 30----30
1999–2000 245--122367
2000–01 143--62205
Total 418--1845912
Borussia Dortmund 2000–01 1500000150
2001–02 30530161496
2002–03 3042072396
2003–04 1924130262
2004–05 2742000294
2005–06 2850000285
Total 1492011126318624
Arsenal 2006–07 2635261376
2007–08 1861051247
2008–09 00000000
2009–10 2531070333
2010–11 2108150341
2011–12 2812081382
2012–13 1023031163
2013–14 1402160221
Total 1421522440420423
Career total 33243335841144959

International

[45]

Czech Republic national team
YearAppsGoals
200080
2001102
200263
200371
2004133
200586
200692
200772
200800
200930
201060
201191
201220
201351
Total9321

International goals

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

Personal life

Rosický is reported to be a proficient guitarist, and has played live with Tři sestry.[46] Rosický was able to hone his guitar skills during his 18 months on the sidelines because of his hamstring injury.[46] He even played at the 2009 Czech Footballer of the Year awards to "serenade" Petr Čech as the Chelsea goalkeeper won the main award.[46]

Honours

Club

Sparta Prague
  • Czech Liga (3): 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01
Borussia Dortmund
  • Bundesliga (1): 2001–02

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Player Profile: Tomáš Rosický". Premier League. Retrieved 31 January 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Rosicky signs new contract with Arsenal". arsenal.com. 4 January 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  3. ↑ "Tomas in no doubt". The Guardian. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Sparta 'Wunderkid' to join Germany's Borussia Dortmund". Radio Praha. 10 January 2001. Retrieved 21 August 2013. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Arsenal secure Rosicky transfer". BBC Sport. 23 May 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  6. ↑ Hytner, David (15 August 2007). "Little Mozart goes home intending to upset his first love". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  7. ↑ "Czech midfielder Rosicky signs for Arsenal". Arsenal.com. 23 May 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  8. ↑ "Dinamo Zagreb 0–3 Arsenal". ESPN Soccernet. 8 August 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2010. 
  9. ↑ Davies, Christopher (14 September 2006). "Rosicky rocket sinks 10-man Hamburg". The Daily Telegraph (London). 
  10. ↑ "Rosicky's goals topple cup holders - CNN.com". CNN. 6 January 2007. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  11. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (6 January 2007). "Liverpool 1–3 Arsenal". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  12. ↑ Lyon, Sam (11 February 2007). "Arsenal 2–1 Wigan". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  13. ↑ Lyon, Sam (14 April 2007). "Arsenal 2–1 Bolton". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  14. ↑ "Arsenal 3 - 1 Manchester City". ESPN FC. 17 April 2007. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  15. ↑ Harlow, Phil (29 August 2007). "Arsenal 3–0 Sparta Prague (5–0)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 May 2009. 
  16. ↑ May, John (2 September 2007). "Arsenal 3–1 Portsmouth". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  17. ↑ Hughes, Ian (20 October 2007). "Arsenal 2–0 Bolton". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  18. ↑ Hughes, Ian (24 November 2007). "Arsenal 2–0 Wigan". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  19. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (9 December 2007). "Middlesbrough 2–1 Arsenal". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  20. ↑ "Everton 1–4 Arsenal". BBC. 29 December 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  21. ↑ Hughes, Ian (19 January 2008). "Fulham 0–3 Arsenal". BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  22. ↑ "Tomas Rosicky injury stuns Arsenal as Czech star is ruled out for six weeks". Daily Mail (London). 6 August 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  23. ↑ "City fire out title warning". skysports.com. 12 September 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  24. ↑ "Tomas Rosicky signs new deal at Arsenal". BBC Sport. 4 January 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  25. ↑ Hughes, Ian (9 January 2010). "Arsenal 2 - 2 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 September 2013. 
  26. ↑ Wilson, Jeremy (20 January 2010). "Arsenal 4 Bolton Wanderers 2: match report". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 27 September 2013. 
  27. ↑ "Diaby resuscitates title hopes". skysports.com. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  28. ↑ Lawton, Matt (17 August 2010). "Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1: Roy relights the Kop fire: Reds find their old spirit after Joe Cole's card anguish". Daily Mail (London). Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  29. ↑ "Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal". liverpoolfc.com. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  30. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (15 August 2010). "Liverpool 1–1 Arsenal". BBC News. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  31. ↑ Ornstein, David (21 August 2010). "Arsenal 6–0 Blackpool". BBC News. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  32. ↑ Olley, James (7 March 2012). "Renaissance man Tomas Rosicky epitomises Arsenal’s revival". London: This Is London. Retrieved 7 March 2012. 
  33. ↑ "Why we still need Tomas Rosicky". GoonerNow. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  34. ↑ "More injury woe for Arsenal as Rosicky ruled out following achilles surgery". Daily Mail. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  35. ↑ Hughes, Dewi (1 December 2012). "Arsenal 0-2 Swansea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  36. ↑ "Arsenal miss top spot with defeat at Olympiacos". UEFA. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  37. ↑ Woodcock, Ian (6 April 2013). "Bradford 1-1 Arsenal (3-2 pens)". BBC. BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 April 2013. 
  38. ↑ Ornstein, David (6 April 2013). "West Brom 1-2 Arsenal". BBC. BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 April 2013. 
  39. ↑ "Czech Republic 1-0 Norway". BBC Sport. 16 November 2005. Retrieved 27 September 2013. 
  40. ↑ Lowe, Sid (12 June 2012). "Euro 2012: Czechs suffer Tomas Rosicky setback after win over Greece". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  41. ↑ Rostance, Tom (21 June 2012). "Czech Rep. 0–1 Portugal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 May 2013. 
  42. ↑ http://footballonlineworld.com/biographies/tomas-rosicky-biography/
  43. ↑ http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/extra-wenger-on-rosicky-and-away-form
  44. ↑ Includes FA Cup, League Cup and FA Community Shield
  45. ↑ Tomáš Rosický at National-Football-Teams.com
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 "Rock on, Tommy! Arsenal maestro Tomas Rosicky turns guitar hero to serenade Chelsea keeper Petr Cech". Daily Mail (London). 2 March 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010. 

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