As the 'golden generation' of Czech players gradually retired from international football, many sceptics wondered whether suitable replacements could be found for the likes of Karel Poborsky and Pavel Nedved.
Yet while most wondered who could take up the mantle, those who had seen the Czech Republic knew that Tomas Rosicky was the man for the job.
Blessed with skill, a range of passing and a devastating shot, Rosicky has emerged as the man to lead the Czech Republic to Euro 2008 and what they hope will be success in Austria and Switzerland.
Despite being only 27, Euro 2008 will be Rosicky's fourth major international competition if he can prove his fitness, having played in Euro 2000, Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 in Germany.
Ever since making his debut at the age of 19, Rosicky has long since been earmarked as the man to lead the next generation of great Czech players.
Having impressed for Sparta Prague in his homeland, Germany beckoned with Borussia Dortmund, who paid a then Bundesliga-record £18million for him back in 2001.
He fully announced himself on the international stage with two superb goals against the United States in the Czechs' opening game of World Cup 2006 and despite seeing his side fail to progress from the group stage, Rosicky emerged from Germany as one of the brightest attacking midfielders in Europe.
Later that summer Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, one of the great judges of talent in the world, took him to north London as the Gunners also began a new era in their magnificent Emirates Stadium.
Indeed, Rosicky is used to picking up the mantle of great players, having been given the number seven shirt at Arsenal vacated by the mercurial Frenchman Robert Pires.
Having adapted quickly to the lightning pace of the Premier League, Rosicky has become one of the vital cogs in Wenger's well-oiled machine as the Gunners continue to build another great side.
No greater testament can be paid to the man affectionately known as 'Little Mozart' than the fact that Arsenal's title challenge this campaign suffered greatly after he was injured in January.
Despite another trophyless season for the Gunners, of greater concern to Rosicky and the Czech Republic's fans is that, that knee injury could yet force him out of this summer's finals.
"It is a frustration for me and him as well. He's a very genuine guy who wants to play," said Wenger.
"Tomas has an absolutely genuine attitude and is 100% committed, but he's just not ready.
"I want him to be happy and play as quickly as possible. Tomas is not a guy who will hold back, he is a guy who wants to do well."
Niggling injuries have been a problem for Rosicky in his career and Czech national doctor Petr Krejci revealed just how worried the coaching staff are that their captain and talisman could miss Euro 2008.
"(Manager) Karel (Bruckner) is very worried about it. Tomas is a big player for us and he would be a big loss," Krejci told Czech newspaper Sport in April.
"It is possible that the problem could fade away in two weeks, but it could also last for another three months. We are not prepared to risk him ahead of Euro 2008."
Concerns over Rosicky's fitness have led for widespread calls for Nedved, now 35, to come out of international retirement to lead the Czechs in Austria and Switzerland.
However those who have watched Rosicky over the course of his career have seen his committed attitude, and it is safe to say he will be doing everything he can to win his fitness battle.
Arsenal fans in particular have taken Rosicky to their hearts following a series of all-action displays for the Gunners.
On his day, Rosicky can destroy the opposition defence on his own, such is his range of ability.
Whether it be a devastatingly accurate shot from the edge of the box, a jinking run into the penalty area or a killer pass to send someone through on goal - Rosicky certainly has the talent to make a difference in Euro 2008.
Rosicky has risen to every challenge put in front of him in his career so far and it would not be a surprise to see him lead the Czech Republic out in their opening group game against Switzerland in Basle on June 7.
Whether or not that happens is yet to be decided and out of Rosicky's control to a large extent - but you can be sure that he will be chomping at the bit to get going at Euro 2008.
And if he is fit, you can also be sure that he will emerge from the finals having re-affirmed his reputation as one of Europe's greatest midfielders.
Blessed with skill, a range of passing and a devastating shot, Rosicky has emerged as the man to lead the Czech Republic to Euro 2008 and what they hope will be success in Austria and Switzerland.
Despite being only 27, Euro 2008 will be Rosicky's fourth major international competition if he can prove his fitness, having played in Euro 2000, Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 in Germany.
Ever since making his debut at the age of 19, Rosicky has long since been earmarked as the man to lead the next generation of great Czech players.
Having impressed for Sparta Prague in his homeland, Germany beckoned with Borussia Dortmund, who paid a then Bundesliga-record £18million for him back in 2001.
He fully announced himself on the international stage with two superb goals against the United States in the Czechs' opening game of World Cup 2006 and despite seeing his side fail to progress from the group stage, Rosicky emerged from Germany as one of the brightest attacking midfielders in Europe.
Later that summer Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, one of the great judges of talent in the world, took him to north London as the Gunners also began a new era in their magnificent Emirates Stadium.
Indeed, Rosicky is used to picking up the mantle of great players, having been given the number seven shirt at Arsenal vacated by the mercurial Frenchman Robert Pires.
Having adapted quickly to the lightning pace of the Premier League, Rosicky has become one of the vital cogs in Wenger's well-oiled machine as the Gunners continue to build another great side.
No greater testament can be paid to the man affectionately known as 'Little Mozart' than the fact that Arsenal's title challenge this campaign suffered greatly after he was injured in January.
Despite another trophyless season for the Gunners, of greater concern to Rosicky and the Czech Republic's fans is that, that knee injury could yet force him out of this summer's finals.
"It is a frustration for me and him as well. He's a very genuine guy who wants to play," said Wenger.
"Tomas has an absolutely genuine attitude and is 100% committed, but he's just not ready.
"I want him to be happy and play as quickly as possible. Tomas is not a guy who will hold back, he is a guy who wants to do well."
Niggling injuries have been a problem for Rosicky in his career and Czech national doctor Petr Krejci revealed just how worried the coaching staff are that their captain and talisman could miss Euro 2008.
"(Manager) Karel (Bruckner) is very worried about it. Tomas is a big player for us and he would be a big loss," Krejci told Czech newspaper Sport in April.
"It is possible that the problem could fade away in two weeks, but it could also last for another three months. We are not prepared to risk him ahead of Euro 2008."
Concerns over Rosicky's fitness have led for widespread calls for Nedved, now 35, to come out of international retirement to lead the Czechs in Austria and Switzerland.
However those who have watched Rosicky over the course of his career have seen his committed attitude, and it is safe to say he will be doing everything he can to win his fitness battle.
Arsenal fans in particular have taken Rosicky to their hearts following a series of all-action displays for the Gunners.
On his day, Rosicky can destroy the opposition defence on his own, such is his range of ability.
Whether it be a devastatingly accurate shot from the edge of the box, a jinking run into the penalty area or a killer pass to send someone through on goal - Rosicky certainly has the talent to make a difference in Euro 2008.
Rosicky has risen to every challenge put in front of him in his career so far and it would not be a surprise to see him lead the Czech Republic out in their opening group game against Switzerland in Basle on June 7.
Whether or not that happens is yet to be decided and out of Rosicky's control to a large extent - but you can be sure that he will be chomping at the bit to get going at Euro 2008.
And if he is fit, you can also be sure that he will emerge from the finals having re-affirmed his reputation as one of Europe's greatest midfielders.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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