Slovakia’s danger man Lobotka finally the life and soul of Calzona’s party
![Slovakia’s danger man Lobotka finally the life and soul of Calzona’s party](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/da59d52451e58104c082da14371220720d91a345/0_257_3860_2316/master/3860.jpg?width=460&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=2cbc340a66d2bb23b38b82bec9652621)
Serie A success the springboard for star after rocky start with fans and that could spell trouble for England
Slovakia’s progress to the last 16 of Euro 2024, where a meeting with England in Gelsenkirchen awaits, has been a team effort, but the displays of one man in particular have especially stood out. Stanislav Lobotka has been central to Slovakia’s success in Germany, literally as well as figuratively, delivering man-of-the-match displays in the 1-0 win over Belgium and the decisive 1-1 draw with Romania. It is little surprise that the 29-year-old defensive midfielder is being linked with a big move away from Napoli this summer, but what is perhaps a shock is that his relationship with Slovak supporters has not always been easy going.
Lobotka has always been well-known in Slovakia for his hard work and humble attitude but, before the previous European Championship, some of the national team’s supporters did not want him involved. He was not in good form and was reportedly overweight when coming back from injury. It was not the best of times for Lobotka or Slovakia, who were eliminated from Euro 2020 after a 5-0 loss against Spain.
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