Who is Patrik Schick? Czech Republic's early Euro 2020 hero

Euro 2020 fever is gripping everyone around the continent, and we do love it when a wonder goal is scored to bring the tournament alive.

Well, for this particular edition, Patrik Schick is the man we can thank for scoring the first sensational goal of the tournament, after he caught David Marshall cold from 49.7 yards (the furthest goal since records began in 1980) to double Czech Republic's lead over Scotland.

But what else has Schick achieved in his career and was such a spectacular goal really a surprise? Here's a deep dive into everything there is to know about him.

Who is Patrik Schick?

1. Playing style

Schick, like many of his Czech Republic international teammates, is very dangerous in the air, making the most of his 6'2 frame.

But thinking that's his main strength is many teams undoing, as Schick is more than capable with the ball at his feet and is known to have a crisp left-footed finish on him.

Not only can he score all kinds of goals, he's also good at dropping deep to bring his teammates into play - either via cute link-up play with his back to goal, or having turned to spin his marker.

2. Early beginnings

Schick is a graduate of Sparta Prague's academy, who currently are nurturing young striker Adam Hlozek - a player featured in 90min's Our 21 series for Euro 2020 and one tipped to reach the very top of the game.

He was a pretty prolific goalscorer from an early age, and starred for Czech Republic at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level. In fact, his form was so good for the latter, that it didn't take long for interest from abroad to be firmed up with an offer.

3. Italian adventure & lack of form

Sampdoria were the side to take a punt on 20-year-old Schick in the summer of 2016, paying Sparta €4m for his services.

In his first season in Italy, Schick bagged 11 goals in 32 Serie A games, and soon Juventus were sniffing around. But after triggering a release clause in his contract, thought to be worth €30m, he failed two separate medicals, and instead it was a loan deal to Roma that was concluded.

Sadly, his stay in the Italian capital was less than fruitful - he scored just five goals in 46 appearances - and he departed I Giallorossi in 2019 to join ambitious Bundesliga newbies RB Leipzig - managed by now Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann.

4. Bundesliga revival

Schick had often been played out of position at Roma, but he was back up front in Germany and showed exactly what he could do in his favoured role.

Injuries hampered his 2019/20 campaign, but the Czech still struck up a pretty decent partnership with Timo Werner - when he was a prolific goalscorer back in Germany.

Ten goals in 22 appearances was enough to persuade Bayer Leverkusen to fork out €26.5m for him, and there he's netted 13 goals in 36 games in all competitions to date.

5. Injury problems

One thing that's hampered Schick's progress is his tendency to pick up niggling injuries.

He's never been sidelined by one particular problem for any length of time, but the 25-year-old averages three to four injuries per season looking at his track record.

Last season, he was sidelined for over a month at Leverkusen with a muscle fibre injury, while he also has a history of minor ankle problems.

6. Euro 2020 stunner

Czech Republic have quietly assembled a strong squad in the past couple of years, and Schick is the inspiration up top.

In his country's opening Euro 2020 clash against Scotland, he rose highest to glance past David Marshall to give his side the lead, before scoring a goal of the tournament contender at the beginning of the second half.

Pouncing on a mistake by Jack Hendry, Schick expertly lobbed the ball over Marshall as he sprinted over the halfway line - netting with precision from nearly 50 yards.

7. International record

Schick's not played as many internationals as you might have expected him to, but his goalscoring record is impressive nevertheless.

He scored three Nations League goals during the 2018/19 campaign, four in Czech Republic's Euro 2020 qualifiers and two in their opening game of the tournament against Scotland.

13 and counting for the gifted forward.