Profile

A highly experienced midfield grafter, Tomáš Galásek has just completed his 17th season as a professional, 13 of them as a Czech international. A former captain, he is highly valued by coach Karel Brückner for his ability to retain possession.

Veteran of old Czechoslovakian League; also represented that country while playing for FC Baník Ostrava in the 1991/92 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

National team debut in March 1995 but it took seven years – until Brückner's arrival as coach – to seal a regular starting spot; not selected for EURO '96™ or UEFA EURO 2000.

Moved to the Netherlands in 1996, joining Willem II and later AFC Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles (2002, 2004), two Dutch Cups (2002, 2006) and made 25 UEFA Champions League appearances.

Prominent at UEFA EURO 2004™ – only player in the squad to start all five matches.

Won 50th cap at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in the opening game v USA (3-0).

Has spent the past two seasons at 1. FC Nürnberg and won the German Cup in 2007 but relegated the following campaign when he was club captain.

Did you know?

Galasek scored for the first time in European club competition with a 'silver goal' penalty for AFC Ajax in a UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Grazer AK in August 2003.