Smicer had previously played a big role in Euro 96 when the Czech team finished runners-up to Germany. Despite offers from all over Europe he then joined RC Lens and helped them to the French title in the 1997-98 season and French Cup the following campaign. Recruited by manager Gérard Houllier after Steve McManaman left for Real Madrid, much is expected of the fast and tricky midfielder this season.

Czech star Vladimir Smicer joined his close friend Patrik Berger at Liverpool at the start of last term, and made an immediate impression, scoring within minutes of coming off the bench for his debut in a 2-0 pre-season win over Feyenoord. Unfortunately though, he later left the field with an injury which was to affect his first season in English football.

He ended the campaign in the Czech Republic squad for Euro 2000, playing in all three group matches against Holland, France and Denmark.Smicer hit two brilliant goals past Peter Schmeichel in the 2-0 victory over the Danes, and despite the Czechs not progressing past the group stages he showed his undoubted talent on the European stage.