3 SLOVAKIANS TO WATCH TONIGHT

MAREK HAMSIK

THE Napoli midfielder has won Slovakia’s player of the year award six times and is the heartbeat of Jan Kozak’s side. Elegant on the ball and tireless off it, Hamsik has refused countless offers to join Europe’s elite clubs, with former Czech Republic great and current Juventus director Pavel Nedved claiming the 30-year-old wants to surpass Diego Maradona as Napoli’s greatest player. er.

MARTIN SKRTEL

SLOVAKIA’S captain made more than 300 appearances across nine seasons at Liverpool without ever entirely gaining the confidence of the Kop. Skrtel (above, bizarrely wearing a hairnet in training) did, however, win praise for his wholehearted displays and has become a key member at the heart of Fenerbahce’s defence since joining last summer. He endeared himself to Liverpool fans with an imposing display in Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in last year’s Europa League.

MILAN SKRINIAR

TH THE rising star of Sl Slovakia’s team, Skriniar, 22, was signed by Inter from Sampdoria for £27.5m last month.mon He was named in the team of the tournament at this summer’s European Under 21 Championship for his assured displays at centre back as Slovakia surprisingly reached the semi-finals. Has only 10 full international caps, but forms a sound partnership with Skrtel.