Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros had a surprising international debut for the Czech Republic ahead of Euro 2024. After an impressive loan spell at Sturm Graz in Austria, where he helped the team win a league and cup double, Jaros received a call-up to the Czechia squad.
Although he is not expected to start at the Euros, Jaros was given his debut during a friendly match against Malta, which ended in a resounding 7-1 victory for the Czech Republic. Manager Ivan Hasek decided to bring Jaros on for the second half when his team was already leading 2-0.
During his first 45 minutes as a senior international, Jaros witnessed his teammates score an additional five goals. However, the match wasn’t flawless for him as he was dribbled past by Paul Mbong, resulting in Malta’s only goal. Despite this setback, Jaros will be heading to Euro 2024 as a backup goalkeeper, with Matej Kovar and Jindrich Stanek being more likely to start.
Jaros has experienced significant growth in his career this season. In January, he embarked on a loan spell at Sturm Graz, where he played a crucial role in dethroning Red Bull Salzburg and securing the Austrian Bundesliga title. Sturm Graz also won the Austrian cup by defeating Rapid Wien 2-1 in the final.
Reflecting on his first call-up to the Czechia senior squad in March, Jaros expressed his pride and happiness at the opportunity. He acknowledged the difference between playing for the under-21 team and the senior team, emphasizing the significance of this step-up.
In addition to Jaros, other young players from Liverpool were also involved in international action. Kieran Morrison, a 17-year-old midfielder, featured for Northern Ireland U19s, contributing to their 2-2 draw against Slovakia by setting up their first goal. Another 17-year-old, Keyrol Figueroa, made an impact by scoring a brilliant debut goal for the USA U19s in their 1-0 victory against Argentina. Keyrol’s father, Maynor Figueroa, had a notable career with 181 appearances for Honduras, setting a high bar for his son to surpass.
The involvement of Liverpool’s young players in international football highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing and developing talent. With Jaros’s impressive loan spell and international debut, along with the performances of Morrison and Figueroa, Liverpool’s future looks promising. These players have the potential to make significant contributions to both their national teams and Liverpool in the years to come.