Juraj Kucka

Written by Lukas Vrablik for the Guardian Experts’ Network:

Juraj Kucka is one of the two remaining members of the 2010 World Cup squad, along with Peter Pekarik. He played a vital role in the country’s first tournament appearance and has never looked back. Despite being criticised by some Slovakia fans, Kucka has proved his worth again and again – at 37, he remains as important ever. Playing a box-to-box midfield role, Kucka brings dynamism and aggression, and is one of the dressing room’s leaders. His coach at Slovan Bratislava, Vladimir Weiss Sr, described him as the “footballer of the year” in November, and he is probably the Slovak league’s biggest star. He returned to the country in 2022 after a spell with Watford in the Premier League and a long career in Serie A. When he made his debut as a teenager for second-tier side ZP Sport Podbrezova, he said he wanted to play for Milan one day and was mocked by the public – but that dream came true with his transfer to San Siro back in 2015.