The name Vitezslav Jaros may not be totally familiar to all Liverpool fans at this moment in time, though the 21-year-old goalkeeper is certainly making his mark on the international stage in Romania and Georgia.
Jaros joined the Reds from Slavia Prague in 2017, and although he is yet to play for Jurgen Klopp’s side, he has been on the bench four times - against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in February 2020, and for Champions League clashes with Ajax (home and away) and FC Midtjylland in the 2020/21 season.
In the search for first-team action, Jaros earned himself a move to League Two play-off finalists Stockport County and began life as number one at Edgeley Park before injury struck.
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Having failed to win back his place between the sticks at Stockport, it was expected that the Czech shot-stopper would play back-up to Manchester United's Matej Kovar during his nation's under-21 European Championship campaign.
However, the withdrawal of Kovar has thrust Jaros into the limelight and he certainly has not disappointed. Despite losing 2-0 against an England side that included club teammates Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones in his first Euros outing, Kovar's display in an unfancied 2-1 win against Germany has won plenty of plaudits,
The Athletic described Jaros' performance in that match as 'terrific' and while his performances add further credit to Liverpool's ever-developing goalkeeping department, the 21-year-old has already admitted his short-term future is unclear for now.
Alisson Becker remains the undisputed no. 1 at Anfield, although there are doubts over the futures of both Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian, meaning an opportunity could emerge as the Brazilian's back-up.
“Everyone likes to play. It's more pleasant,” he said. “I haven't played for a long time, I was injured in Stockport. But I think that whenever I started for the Under-21s, I succeeded. I've always liked to ride in the rally and did my best for the team. We have a great team.
“I was number one at Stockport until I got injured. Then I was out of action for over two months. I came back and the team was just winning.
"I should go to training (with Liverpool after the tournament). It will matter a lot to them. If the coach likes you, he can say that he will try you. My loan spell at Stockport is over, I'm back in Liverpool. We'll see what can be found for me.
“I don't know if the club will want me to stay or go somewhere else. When the chance comes, you have to take it.”
Hinting at an exit further, he added: “Players who are on loan are taken care of by a 'loan manager' in England. He is always having fun, writing, and calling.
“Goalkeeper coaches watch the matches, we are in contact basically every week. Even if you're not playing, they'll still text and ask how you're doing. They'll ask if there's any chance you'll get on next time.
"I got used to life and football there (in England). If there is a good offer, I will be happy to stay. But I'm not against change either. I am open to everything.”
The Czech Republic and Jaros know that they will qualify for the knockout stages of the Euros by beating bottom-of-the-group Israel on Wednesday.
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