Every international tournament has its breakout star, and it seems as though at Euro 2020, former Arsenal target Patrik Schick could be that man.
It’s impossible to not have been impressed by the Czech striker on Monday. He scored a world-class header against Scotland before following up with one of the best goals the European Championships has ever seen, chipping Scotland’s David Marshall from the halfway line.
If you didn’t know who Schick was before this tournament, you certainly do now.
However, Schick has been on some people’s radar for quite some time, and one man who identified his talents way back in 2018 was Unai Emery.
Indeed, the former Arsenal manager reportedly wanted to sign the Czech star three years ago as a replacement for Danny Welbeck, but the Gunners never followed up on this suggestion and the deal never came to fruition.
After watching him light up the Euros on Monday, you have to feel that Arsenal may now be regretting that decision.
Of course, a player’s career is judged on more than just two goals against Scotland at the Euros, but over the past two seasons, Schick has shown he has what it takes to do it at the top level.
Indeed, he’s performed well during two loan spells in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, being described as a ‘dream player’ by Julian Nagelsmann during his time in Leipzig due to his good performances.
Arsenal have struggled in attack this season, and after watching Schick against Scotland on Monday, you have to imagine he’d have been an asset for Arsenal if he was plying his trade in north London.
Sadly, the Gunners didn’t take Emery’s suggestion on board and Schick is now making a name for himself elsewhere.
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