Midfielder of special class

Having already been named Czech footballer of the year for the fourth time, Juventus midfield star Pavel Nedved was also named European foot...

Having already been named Czech footballer of the year for the fourth time, Juventus midfield star Pavel Nedved was also named European footballer of the year for 2003 last December in a poll from 52 countries, showing his talent just can8217;t go unnoticed.

Nedved had a magnificent 2002-2003 season for Juve, helping them to the Serie A title and a Champions League final against eventual winners AC Milan, which he missed through suspension.

However, the unassuming Nedved couldn8217;t believe his obvious abilities were held in such high regard, as he became only the second Czech player to win the honour after Josef Masopust in 1962. Instead, the midfielder suggested he would have voted for runner-up Thierry Henry of Arsenal.

The 31-year-old has not only been a key player for Juve since his arrival from Italian rivals Lazio for a fee in the region of 44 million dollars in July 2001, he has also played a major part in the Czech Republic8217;s successful Euro 2004 qualification campaign.

Nedved made his international debut way back in 1994 in a 3-1 defeat of Ireland and missed only one Euro 2004 qualifying game as Karel Bruckner8217;s side finished top of Group 3, forcing group rivals the Netherlands to qualify via the playoffs.

Those who have worked with the left-sided midfielder have nothing but praise for him. England coach, Sven Goran Eriksson, who was Nedved8217;s coach at Lazio for three-and-a-half years has called him 8216;8216;the complete footballer; hard-working, skillful and technically very competent8217;8217;.

Born in Cheb near the German border, Nedved joined Dukla Prague for a season before moving on to crosstown rivals Sparta in 1992, where he won three Czech titles in a row before moving to Lazio.

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Success followed the young Nedved to Italy, where he won the Italian Cup in 1998 and a year later he helped Lazio lift the last Cup Winners8217; Cup.

An Italian League and Cup double followed in 2000 before Nedved8217;s big money move to Juventus in 2001. Back to back Scudettos followed in 2002 and 2003 and although Juve have failed to mount a serious challenge at home or in Europe this season, Nedved has said he will not leave Juventus before the end of his current contract.

gms/dpa 2004