Ľubomír Michalík

Football player infobox
playername = Ľubomír Michalík


fullname = Ľubomír Michalík
nickname = Lubo
height = height|ft=6|in=4
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1983|8|13
cityofbirth = Čadca
countryofbirth = Czechoslovakia
currentclub = Leeds United
clubnumber = 6
position = Defender
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 2005–2007
2007–2008
2007
2008–
clubs = Senec
Bolton Wanderers
→ Leeds United "(loan)"
Leeds United
caps(goals) = 20 (2)
11 (1)
07 (1)
20 (0)
nationalyears = 2007–
nationalteam = Slovakia
nationalcaps(goals) = 04 (1)
pcupdate = 14:09, 25 May 2008 (UTC)
ntupdate = 26 May 2008

Ľubomír Michalík (born August 13, 1983) is a Slovakian football player, currently playing for Leeds United. The centre-back has represented his country at international level, having played for Čadca in Slovakia.

Club career

Bolton

Michalik signed for Bolton Wanderers in January 2007 from FC Senec of Slovakia on a three and a half year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. On Saturday 28th April 2007, Michalík scored his first and only goal for the Trotters, in a 2-2 away draw against Chelsea F.C at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds United

In March 2007, Michalik made a loan switch to Leeds United on a one month loan deal. [* [http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s277/st112956.htm Sportnetwork.net: Bolton defender Michalik joins Leeds on loan] Sportsnetwork.net] The defender's performances earned a great deal of credit from the Leeds faithful, particularly due to his match-winning goal on April 7 2007 in a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle. [ [http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~1007736,00.html LeedsUnited.com] en icon] [ [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/leeds/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/04/07/SOCCER_Leeds.html&TEAMHD=leeds Sportinglife.com] en icon] As a result of his strong performances, then Leeds manager Dennis Wise extended the Slovakian's loan deal until the end of the season, although Bolton recalled Michalik back due to a spate of injuries to their first choice centre-backs. Michalik again impressed and evidently coped with the pressures of Premier League football, heading home against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He had made his debut the day after his recall against Reading F.C. in a 3-1 defeat.

Dennis Wise continued to reiterate his liking for the player, and attempted to re-sign the defender in the January 2008 transfer window. A deal was reported to be closed, believed to be involving a £500,000 fee, when Wise left the manager's post to head for Newcastle United. However, upon the appointment of Gary McAllister as Leeds boss, the Yorkshire side remained insistent on their determination to sign the Slovak. On the final day of the transfer window, a deal was concluded and Michalik signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bolton seemed willing to sell having recruited Gary Cahill as a replacement. Michalik made 13 first-team appearances in the 2007-08 season.

'Lubo' has managed to establish himself as one of Leeds' first-choice defenders, often partnering Paul Huntington. On 6th September, 2008, Michalik was sent off in a match for Leeds against Crewe Alexandra for his second bookable offence. Leeds went on and won the match 5-2.

International career

Michalík's international debut came in the second half of the Slovakia verses United Arab Emirates game. His first international goal came in the same game, in his first start for the Slovak international team. He played his second match against Ireland on March 28. [http://www.profutbal.sk/clanok47812.htm sk icon]

References

External links

*soccerbase|id=46065|name=Ľubomír Michalík
* [http://www.mynoviny.sk/c/3122732/LUBOMIR-MICHALIK-zCadce-hracom-BOLTONU.html Michalik a Bolton player] (slovak)
* [http://www.fussball-talente.com/Lubomir_Michalik-3_7-3160-1.html Michalik at Fussball-talente.com]