90min's Our 21: Sparta Prague and Czech Republic's Adam Hlozek

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Imagine finishing as the leading goalscorer in your country's top flight at the age of 18 despite being injured for five months of the season and not even playing the entire campaign as a centre-forward.

That's the sort of prodigious talent we're dealing with in Adam Hlozek.

The Sparta Prague hitman is wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe - as well as West Ham - and despite having recently signed a new deal at his current club, interest is bound to intensify in the coming weeks as he showcases his immense ability at Euro 2020.

Hlozek is one of a select group of youngsters 90min is tipping to shine at this summer's European Championship, so before the rest of the world jump on the bandwagon and start praising him, here's a little rundown on the teenage sensation...


How Hlozek has performed this season

The aforementioned interest from some of Europe's big hitters has been kicking around for years, though it's ramped up a notch after his stellar 2020/21 campaign.

Hlozek's astonishing haul of 15 goals and eight assists in just 19 appearances for Sparta Prague this season has alerted the attention of the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, while Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal have also previously been credited with an interest.

The 18-year-old romped to victory in the voting for his side's Player of the Year award, with 53% of fans voting him as their top performer.


Preferred position

While Hlozek can play anywhere across the frontline, this season he's been utilised predominantly as a centre-forward - though he's still played on the wing on occasions.

During the early stages of his career, Hlozek was viewed more as a left winger and his ability to cut inside onto his right foot saw him clock up some impressive figures.

However, his eye for goal soon meant he was pushed further forward and the aerial threat he provides along with his ability to play on the half-turn means he's a nightmare to defend against.


Who does Hlozek play like?

Hlozek has the ability to drop deep and drive at players like Luis Suarez
Hlozek has the ability to drop deep and drive at players like Luis Suarez / Angel Martinez/Getty Images

So given what we've just said about him, Hlozek can play on the wing, is good in the air, is a threat when dropping deep and playing on the half-turn and scores goals - comparisons for a player that well-rounded are hard to find.

One of the best facets of the teenager's game is his ability to take the ball into feet before driving at defenders or linking up play with his teammates, and South American duo Luis Suarez and Roberto Firmino (the good one, not the imposter we've seen over the last 12 months) are the best comparison we can draw.

But as we've already mentioned, Hlozek also provides a threat in the air and can play on the wing, so finding a player who can do everything he can is nigh-on impossible.


What have people said about Hlozek?

Zdenek Scasny managed Hlozek at Sparta Prague
Zdenek Scasny managed Hlozek at Sparta Prague / GLYN KIRK/Getty Images

"He’s an extraordinary talent that doesn’t play just because he is 16, but because he has earned it."

Zdenek Scasny

"I dare say that a world-class player is growing here. This is a player for Real Madrid and Barcelona."

Pavel Paska

FIFA 21 rating and potential

When you kick off your career move Hlozek already has a rating of 74 - not exactly eye-watering but decent given his age.

However, with a high work rate you'd fancy him to fulfil his potential, and a possible rating of 87 makes him a future superstar if you're willing to play the long game.


Football Manager rating

Hlozek's ability to play anywhere across the frontline makes him an absolute must for any of your FM boffins, though his preferred positions on the game are on the left-wing or as a centre-forward.

With a starting value of just £3m and wages of £3,000-per-week he's hardly going to leave you cash-strapped, and with a potential four-star rating in his preferred positions he represents an astute purchase.


What boots will Hlozek wear at Euro 2020?

Like many of the footballing world's wonderkids, Hlozek has been snapped up by Nike and can usually be seen sporting a pair of their Mercurial Superfly boots.

Expect him to be wearing a similar pair at this summer's delayed Euro 2020 finals.


How involved will Hlozek be in Euro 2020?

Jaroslav Silhavy looks eager to ease Hlozek into international football
Jaroslav Silhavy looks eager to ease Hlozek into international football / ADAM NURKIEWICZ/Getty Images

It's difficult to know how Czech Republic boss Jaroslav Silhavy is going to line up at this summer's tournament, though it seems Michael Krmencik, Patrik Schick and Matej Vydra may all be ahead of Hlozek in the pecking order.

It's kind of understandable when you consider the youngster has only been playing professional football for a couple of years, though given his talent and ability to play in a number of roles he'll definitely be given some game time in the coming weeks.

Hlozek could be a great option if his side are looking for a goal late in a game, but it seems we'll need to wait a few more years before he's viewed as his country's first-choice striker.