Michalik Profile

By Mark Heys
April 29 2007

 

Lubomir Michalik

Born: Slovakia, 13th August 1983

International Honours: Slovakia Full

Position: Defender

Squad Number: 28

Former Clubs: Cadca (Slovakia), FC Senec (Slovakia), Leeds United (loan)

Giant defender Lubomir Michalik arrived at Bolton Wanderers from FC Senec on a three and a half year contract in January 2007. He came to the Reebok Stadium with fellow countryman Zoltan Harsanyi who had also joined Bolton on loan.

Michalik can plays as a central defender and his strength and aeriel ability are undoubtedly his biggest and best strengths, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the 23-year old stands at a remarkable 6ft 4in in height thus making it near impossible for strikers to win headers against him.

In December 2006 he scored on his full international debut for Slovakia by netting a header in their victory over the United Arab Emirates.

In his first couple of months in England the Wanderers loaned him to Championship side Leeds United to gain first team experience and towards the end of the 2006-07 season he was recalled due to an injury crisis which robbed Bolton of the services of regular defenders Abdoulaye Faye and Tal Ben-Haim.

An injury to Nicky Hunt early on in the game against Reading in April 2007 gave Michalik the chance to show his talents in the English top flight and he immediately endeared himself to the Bolton support by winning a number of headers and crucial challenges.

A week later he scored his first goal for the club when lashing home an important equaliser at Stamford Bridge as the Wanderers held Premiership holders Chelsea to an unlikely 2-2 draw which helped to determine the title race.

BOLTON RECORD: 4 appearances, 1 goal