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Czech Republic youngster Milan Baros, was widely regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe
when he arrived at Anfield. Described as having lightning speed, an eye for goal as well as being physically strong,
he first come to Gerard Houllier’s attention whilst playing for the Czechs in the European Under-21 Championship in
2000.
Baros has hit the net 9 times in 14 games for the Czech Under 21s, and is regarded as the best prospect
in Czech football. His performance for his country and his club, Banik Ostrava, attracted the attention of scouts from
all over Europe. Borrussia Dortmund coach Matthias Sammer went on several spying missions
to watch Baros in action, and was reportedly desperate to add the talented young frontman to his squad. Juventus and
Inter Milan were also keen on the youngster, who was dubbed The Ostravan Maradona due to his dribbing skills and exciting
style.
Baros represented the Czechs in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and it was only a matter of time before
he broke into the senior side. His debut came against Belgium earlier this year, and not surprisingly
he marked the occasion with a goal. He followed that up with a goal on his second appearance too, scoring in the 90
minutes against Northern Ireland after coming on as a substitute. Shortly after that game he appeared
on Czech TV stating his desire to join international team-mates Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer at Liverpool.
He revealed that the reds has been showing an interest in him for a while and said “It is just great. Patrik and
Vlada said that Liverpool were a wonderful club to play for.
He signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2001 but had to wait until he was granted a work
permit before arriving at Anfield in December, on the same day Nicolas Anelka was signed.
Despite his outstanding pedigree, the youngster made a less than impressive start to his career on
Merseyside, struggling to hit top form and looking overweight and showing a distinct lack of fitness during his appearances
for the reserves. As the season wore on, his sharpness seemed to be returning and his performance improved, but he was
still way short of the levels expected of him. His only first team appearance came as a late substitute in the Nou Camp
against Barcelona, but with a good pre-season behind him he should be better equipped to fight for a place.
After a settling in period at Anfield in the reserve team Baros made his breakthrough at Liverpool
in the 2002/03 season when he scored 12 goals. He became a Kop favourite and terrorised defenders with his pace and direct
running.
Milan scored on his Premiership debut against Bolton when he hit two fantastic
goals and hasn't look back from there.
Baros had a 2003/04 campaign to forget after a serious leg break at Blackburn ruled him
out for six months.
Euro 2004's top scorer Milan Baros is a real livewire of a player who is a big favourite
with the Liverpool fans.
He hit five goals for the Czech Republic during Euro 2004 and with the
departure of Michael Owen to Real Madrid, a lot rests on Baros' shoulders at Liverpool. | 
