 | FACTFILE Born: 15/10/79 Club: Dynamo Kiev Position: Striker Debut: 09/06/99 v Greece |
Maris Verpakovskis was on trial at Wolves in 2003 and just 12 months after his rejection carries his country's expectations into Euro 2004. Verpakovskis was the star of Latvia's surprise qualification with decisive goals against Sweden and Turkey.
Formerly a midfielder, Verpakovskis has been employed as a lone striker in coach Aleksandrs Starkovs' system.
He was snapped up from Skonto Riga by Ukraine giants Dynamo Kiev in the January transfer window for �1m.
Verpakovskis began his career with hometown club Metalurgs Leipaja and helped them to a cup final appearance and second in the league during four seasons.
He then starred for Skonto in three championship-winning campaigns and is fast becoming Latvia's first football superstar.
Did you know? Verpakovskis received the princely sum of �1,030 from Leipaja city council for his six goals in qualifying.
MMIX
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