Vítězslav Jaroš (born 23 July 2001) is a Czech professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Liverpool and the Czech Republic national team.

Vítězslav Jaroš
Jaroš playing for Sturm Graz in 2024
Personal information
Full name Vítězslav Jaroš[1]
Date of birth (2001-07-23) 23 July 2001 (age 23)
Place of birth Příbram, Czech Republic
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
Liverpool
Number 56
Youth career
2008–2011 FK Příbram
2011–2017 Slavia Prague
2017–2020 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2020– Liverpool 1 (0)
2021St Patrick's Athletic (loan) 34 (0)
2022Notts County (loan) 15 (0)
2022–2023Stockport County (loan) 11 (0)
2024Sturm Graz (loan) 14 (0)
International career
Czech Republic U17
Czech Republic U19
2022–2023 Czech Republic U21 5 (0)
2024– Czech Republic 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:30, 5 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 6 June 2024

Club career

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Early career

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Jaroš started out with his local club FK Příbram where he played for three years before joining Slavia Prague in 2011. He spent six years there before signing for Liverpool in 2017, joining the club's Academy set-up and winning the FA Youth Cup in his second season with the side.[2][3]

In the summer of 2019, he made his first appearance for the senior side in a pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers, playing the second half of a 6–0 win.[4] Shortly after that he picked up an injury in training that halted his progress, taking a knock to his elbow from close range that tore a ligament off the bone and a little bit of the bone away, with the injury requiring surgery that caused him to miss several months.[5]

Liverpool

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Jaroš first involvement with the Liverpool first team squad in a competitive fixture came in February 2020, when he was named on the bench for their FA Cup Fourth Round replay against Shrewsbury Town.[6] He signed a new long-term contract with the club on 9 July 2020.[7] The following season, Jaroš was on the bench again for three Champions League fixtures, at home and away against Ajax and away to Midtjylland, although he remained an unused substitute in all three.[8]

Loan to St Patrick's Athletic

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On 3 February 2021, it was announced that Jaroš had joined League of Ireland Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic on loan for the duration of the 2021 season.[9][10] This made him the second ever player from the Czech Republic to sign for the club, after fellow Příbram native Michal Macek. He made his debut for St Pats, and his senior competitive debut, on 19 March 2021, in a 1–1 draw with Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin derby at Tallaght Stadium.[11] Jaroš' debut performance saw him draw high praise from his manager Stephen O'Donnell who stated "He’s shown tonight what he’s shown all pre-season. For a player so young, 19 years of age, to have such a good mentality and be so composed – if you were coming in and didn’t know his age, you’re saying: ‘That’s a seasoned veteran, that’s a real pro’."[12][13] He kept the first clean sheet of his senior career on 3 April 2021, as his side won 1–0 away to Bohemians in the Dublin City derby at Dalymount Park to go top of the league.[14]

Jaroš went on to keep five clean sheets in six games as his side remained unbeaten after nine games, conceding just four goals.[15] On 12 November 2021, Jaroš was named as the club's Player of the Year, as voted by the club's supporters following a debut season that saw him help his side to a 2nd place finish, their best since the club's 2013 title win.[16][17] On 28 November 2021, Jaroš made his last appearance for the club in the 2021 FAI Cup Final, beating rivals Bohemians 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time in front of a record FAI Cup Final crowd of 37,126 at the Aviva Stadium.[18][19][20][21] He departed the club at the end of the season, waiting for guidance from Jürgen Klopp on where his next move would be, with the Liverpool manager stating "Vit was brilliant in Ireland", while Pat's manager Stephen O'Donnell stated he was the best 20 year old goalkeeper he had ever seen, including Kasper Schmeichel who was a teammate of his at Falkirk at the same age.[22][23][24] On 26 January 2022, it was announced that Jaroš had been named SWI Goalkeeper of the Year as voted by Irish journalists.[25][26][27]

Loan to Notts County

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On 27 January 2022, Jaroš moved to National League side Notts County on loan until the end of the season.[28][29][30] He made his debut for the club on 1 March 2022 in a 3–1 loss away to Chesterfield.[31] His first clean sheet for the club came on his fifth appearance for the club, in a 2–0 win over Eastleigh at Meadow Lane on 19 February 2022.[32] He made a total of 15 appearances for the club during his loan spell, as they missed out on promotion to EFL League Two in the playoffs.[8]

Loan to Stockport County

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On 4 July 2022, Jaroš signed for EFL League Two club Stockport County on a season-long loan.[33] Jaroš made his debut for the club on 9 August 2022 in an EFL Cup tie away to Harrogate Town in which he kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win.[34] He followed that up by keeping another clean sheet in a 1–0 win four days later in a victory at home to Colchester United in his league debut for the club.[35] On 23 August 2022, Jaroš kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Premier League side Leicester City in an EFL Cup tie, also saving a penalty from James Maddison in the shootout as his side were defeated 3–1 on penalties.[36] He made 13 appearances for the club in all competitions during his loan spell.[37]

Loan to Sturm Graz

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On 9 January 2024, Jaroš signed a new contract with Liverpool and joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz on loan.[38] He made the first European appearance of his career on 15 February 2024 in a 4–1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Europa Conference League.[39] On 1 May 2024, he was part of the side that won the 2023–24 Austrian Cup after 2–1 victory over Rapid Wien in the final.[40] He made 21 appearances in all competitions during his loan spell which concluded with winning the 2023–24 Austrian Bundesliga to complete the double and end Red Bull Salzburg's 10-year-long title-winning streak.[41]

Return to Liverpool

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On 5 October 2024, Jaroš made his Liverpool and Premier League debut, replacing Alisson in the 79th minute of a 1–0 away victory over Crystal Palace.[42][43] He made his full debut for the club on 30 October 2024, starting in a 3–2 away win against Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup, earning praise for an incredible fingertip save onto the post from a Simon Adingra header in the 50th minute.[44][45]

International career

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Jaroš has represented the Czech Republic at various youth levels,[46] with first call-up to the Czech Republic U21 team coming in September 2021.[47] He debuted for said youth team in a 3–0 victory against Andorra U21 on 29 March 2022.[48]

Jaroš was called up to the senior Czech Republic squad for the first time for the March 2024 friendly matches against Norway and Armenia.[49] In May 2024, he was named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[50] Jaroš made his senior international debut on 7 June 2024 in a 7–1 friendly victory against Malta in Grödig, Austria, coming as a substitute for Matěj Kovář at half-time.[51]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 30 October 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Liverpool U21 2020–21[8] 2[c] 0 2 0
Liverpool 2019–20[8] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2020–21[8] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021–22[8] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022–23[8] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023–24[8] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2024–25[8] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Total 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
St Patrick's Athletic (loan) 2021[8] LOI Premier Division 34 0 5 0 39 0
Notts County (loan) 2021–22[8] National League 15 0 0 0 15 0
Stockport County (loan) 2022–23[8] League Two 11 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 13 0
Sturm Graz (loan) 2023–24[8] Austrian Bundesliga 14 0 3 0 4[d] 0 21 0
Total 75 0 8 0 3 0 4 0 2 0 92 0
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, FAI Cup, Austrian Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

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Liverpool Youth

St Patrick's Athletic

Sturm Graz

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "2023/24 Premier League squad lists". Premier League. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Vitezslav Jaros". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Liverpool lift the 2019 FA Youth Cup After Shootout Victory Over Manchester City". The Football Association. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  4. ^ "Matchdetails from Tranmere Rovers - Liverpool played on Thursday 11 July 2019". LFCHistory.net. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  5. ^ Hunter, Steve. "Vitezslav Jaros injury update". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Liverpool 1:0 Shrewsbury". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  7. ^ "Vitezslav Jaros signs new contract with Liverpool FC". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Czech Republic - V. Jaroš - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  9. ^ Shaw, Chris. "Vitezslav Jaros joins St Patrick's Athletic on loan". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  10. ^ Healy, Martin. "St Pat's Athletic confirm signing of up-and-coming Liverpool star". Extra.ie. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Shamrock Rovers 1 - St Patrick's Athletic 1". St Patrick's Athletic F.C. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  12. ^ Fennessy, Paul. "Liverpool loanee praised after impressing on League of Ireland debut". the42.ie. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  13. ^ Hodrien, Brendan. "Stephen O'Donnell has heaped praise on loanee Vitezslav Jaros". the42.ie. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  14. ^ O'Donnell, Jake. "Coughlan the match-winner as Pats pip Bohs in Dalymount". rte.ie. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  15. ^ Shaw, Chris. "Loan watch: Wilson hits sublime hat-trick, Grujic nets for Porto". liverpoolfc.com. Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  16. ^ "LFC youth named Player of the Season as loan nears end". 13 November 2021.
  17. ^ Gates, Emmet (15 November 2021). "Liverpool have future Alisson heir who has already won Player of the Season". Liverpool.com.
  18. ^ a b Leahy, Ed (28 November 2021). "Benson spot on as Saints beat Bohs to lift the FAI Cup" – via www.rte.ie.
  19. ^ Sneyd, David (29 November 2021). "Vitezslav Jaros: The on-loan Liverpool keeper who is 'the best' Stephen O'Donnell has seen". Irish Examiner.
  20. ^ Andrew, Neil. "Watch: Liverpool Loanee Keeper Vitezslav Jaros' Outstanding Saves In St Patrick's FAI Cup Final Win". Sports Illustrated.
  21. ^ Andrew, Neil. "'No Ego Whatsoever' And 'Extra Gear' - Liverpool 20 Year Old On Alisson And Virgil Van Dijk". Sports Illustrated.
  22. ^ Fallon, John (29 November 2021). "Liverpool's Czech keeper waiting on Klopp's wishes for next posting". Irish Examiner.
  23. ^ Cooney, Gavin. "'Magnificent signing' Jaros returns to Liverpool with perfect Pat's sign-off". The42.
  24. ^ "Jurgen Klopp hails Vitezslav Jaros after brilliant loan season with St Pat's". Pundit Arena. 3 December 2021.
  25. ^ Fallon, John (26 January 2022). "Kylie Murphy and Stephen Bradley scoop soccer writers awards". Irish Examiner.
  26. ^ "Stephen Bradley and Kylie Murphy win 2021 SSE Airtricity/SWI Personality of the Year awards". Irish Independent.
  27. ^ O'Donoghue, Conor. "Kylie Murphy named first-ever SWI women's personality of the year". The Irish Post.
  28. ^ "Liverpool FC - Vitezslav Jaros joins Notts County on loan". www.liverpoolfc.com. Liverpool F.C.
  29. ^ "Jaros Czechs in". www.nottscountyfc.co.uk. Notts County F.C.
  30. ^ Curtis, Leigh (27 January 2022). "Notts County sign Liverpool keeper Vitezslav Jaros". NottinghamshireLive.
  31. ^ "Chesterfield 3–1 Notts County" – via www.bbc.com.
  32. ^ "Notts County 2–0 Eastleigh" – via www.bbc.com.
  33. ^ "Goalkeeper Jaros Czechs in!". Stockport County F.C. 4 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Harrogate Town v Stockport County" – via www.bbc.com.
  35. ^ "Stockport County v Colchester United" – via www.bbc.com.
  36. ^ "Carabao Cup Match Report: County 0–0 Leicester City (Leicester win 3–1 on penalties)". 23 August 2022.
  37. ^ "Czechia - V. Jaroš - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  38. ^ "Vitezslav Jaros signs new LFC deal and joins Sturm Graz on loan". www.liverpoolfc.com. Liverpool F.C. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Sturm Graz 4–1 Slovan Bratislava | Football". The Guardian.
  40. ^ a b "SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz - SK Rapid | SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz Vereinshomepage". vereine.oefb.at.
  41. ^ a b "Loan watch: Vitezslav Jaros wins the Austrian Bundesliga with Sturm Graz - Liverpool FC". www.liverpoolfc.com. Liverpool F.C.
  42. ^ "Online: Jaroš chytal za Liverpool! Naskočil v závěru a pomohl k výhře". Blesk (in Czech). Czech News Center. 5 October 2024.
  43. ^ Findlater, James (5 October 2024). "All you need to know about Liverpool's Vitezslav Jaros after Alisson injury". Liverpool FC.
  44. ^ Rose, Gary (30 October 2024). "Gakpo scores twice as holders Liverpool beat Brighton to progress". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  45. ^ Jones, Peter Kenny (30 October 2024). "Vítězslav Jarošpulls off outrageous save against Brighton on LFC debut". Empire of the Kop.
  46. ^ "Vitezslav Jaros | Czech Republic | U21 Euro". UEFA. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  47. ^ "Preview: Saints V Longford". www.stpatsfc.com. 3 September 2021.
  48. ^ "Andorra U21 vs. Czech Republic U21". Soccerway. 29 March 2022.
  49. ^ "Nominace na přípravné zápasy s Norskem a Arménií" (in Czech). Football Association of the Czech Republic.
  50. ^ Urquhart, Joe (28 May 2024). "Euro 2024: Vitezslav Jaros named in provisional Czechia squad". Liverpool F.C.
  51. ^ Malý, Jan (7 June 2024). "Češi si zastříleli, v přípravě na EURO rozdrtili bezmocného soupeře". Sport.cz (in Czech).
  52. ^ "Liverpool crowned FA Youth Cup winners after beating Manchester City on penalties". The Daily Telegraph. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  53. ^ "Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros named St Patrick's Athletic Player of the Year". OneFootball. 13 November 2021.
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  NODES
Association 2
INTERN 4
Note 1