Age: 33
Nationality: Czech
Position: Attacking midfielder
Squad no. 7
Height: 5ft 10
Interesting Fact: Tomáš is a big fan of heavy metal music.
Tomáš Rosický is a player you can’t help but love. The 33-year-old joined Arsenal in 2006 for an undisclosed fee and has dazzled Gooners with his attractive style of play ever since.
Tomáš Rosický is arguably one of the most exciting players to watch for fans of passing football. The Czech midfielder effortlessly glides around the pitch; tapping the ball to teammates before elegantly accelerating in order to complete delicious one-twos. His technique is phenomenal – no other can player can quite match the flow and graceful rhythm of the 33-year-old’s game.
Although Rosický is an attacking midfielder by trade, he has been deployed out on our flanks numerous times over the years. However, Tomáš recently added a whole new defensive dimension to his game – one which involves intense pressing and a high midfield work rate – which has allowed Wenger to deploy the maestro in a slightly deeper role in central midfield. It is here that the playmaker is able to encourage his fellow midfielders to aggressively press the opposition when we are not in possession, while maintaining the freedom to break forward with driving runs and intricate passing moves.
Rosický is undoubtedly at his best when on the edge of the opposition’s box. It is here than he can weave the ball through open legs and confused defenders; pinging his spherical paintbrush from teammate to teammate as he creates chances through sheer class and ingenuity. Many of the veteran’s goals are awe-inspiring – type ‘Rosicky goals’ into YouTube and you’ll be presented with a long list of some of the most beautiful and effortless goals the Premier League has ever seen. His goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Sunderland in our 2013/14 season is a personal favourite of mine.
Technically outstanding, effortlessly creative and unconditionally loyal – Tomáš Rosický is the model Arsenal player.
How much will he play?
At 33 years of age, Tomáš Rosický isn’t going to be able to start every game for the club. However, Wenger would be foolish not to utilise the experienced playmaker in our 2014/15 season.
Rosický is a very useful player to have. His creativity and technical ability are great against weaker teams, while his work rate and commitment are vital against the bigger sides. Our ‘Little Mozart’ can play a variety of positions, so he’d be capable of filling in for various players who pick up injuries or tire.
Overall, the 33-year-old will get a decent number of games due to squad rotation, and it’s likely he will get at least one decent run in the team at some point this season.
How well will he do?
Rosický has been a solid player for the club over the past few years. His performances are generally consistent, and he is still capable of putting on the odd world-class display now and then.
Against the bigger sides, you can expect Tomáš to put in good shifts, and his experience and leadership qualities will improve our midfield pressing and attacking shape. Against the weaker sides, the 33-year-old will likely continue to amaze and delight. You can expect him to score a couple of goal of the season contenders if he continues his form from last season.
I predict that the Czech midfielder will have a good season as long as he gets game time.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 6/10
Finishing: 7/10
Ball Control: 8/10
Passing: 8/10
Balance: 9/10
Vision: 7/10
Current Value: £2 million
Potential Value: £500,000
Overall Rating: 7.5/10