Mateja Kezman

Fiery Kezman sparks Serbia onto world stage

A pure product of the Yugoslav footballing school, goal-machine Mateja Kezman produced a stunning start to his career first wearing the colours of Partizan Belgrade and then Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven before hitting an oil slick at Londoners Chelsea, forcing him to once again win over his critics.

The Belgrade native quit Chelsea following a poor campaign but with an English championship medal in his suitcase to sign with Atletico Madrid, where he has bounced back, notably on the international stage.

Serbia and Montenegro's Mateja Kezman (L) scores a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina during their World Cup 2006 Qualifying football match in Belgrade, 12 October 2005. AFP PHOTO / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Apart from his talent as a lethal goal-hound, Kezman is also noted for his abrasive character, which may or may not enhance his chances of fulfilling his great potential.

A notable black mark on his resume was at Euro 2000 where he was sent-off just one minute after coming on as a substitute for Predrag Mijatovic.

However he has more than repaid his international debt scoring a hatful of cruical goals for Serbia and Montenegro, including the strike against Bosnia, which sealed World Cup qualification in the final nerve shredding match, a 1-0 victory.

A penalty box terrier

At barely 20-years-old, Kezman was already terrorising defences and was on target 28 times during the 1999-2000 season as Red Star romped away with the Yugoslav title.

Mateja Kezman (R) of PSV Eindhoven takes a shot at the goal of Feyenoord 17 November 2002, during their Dutch first division match, watched by Feyenoord player Thomas Rzasa. AFP PHOTO/ANP ROBERT VOS

His reputation was growing around Europe despite his Euro horror and when Ruud van Nistelrooy suffered a serious injury and subsequently left for Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven were delighted to bring him on board.

It was a shrewd decision as Kezman went on to bag 105 goals in four years, including a glorious season in 2002-2003 when his 35 goals were the highest total in the Dutch league for 40 years.

The PSV supporters had a new hero following such former greats of the past such as Romario, Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy.

Chelsea disaster

Now established as one of the game's newest stars, he became a target not only for other clubs but also some unsavoury characters.

In October 2003, he was placed under police protection following kidnapping threats from organised Yugoslav crime syndicates.

Chelsea's Jose Mourinho (L) gives instructions to Meteja Kezman their second leg Champion's League football match at Stamford Bridge stadium in London 08 March, 2005. Chelsea won 4-2 and advances 5-4 on aggregate. AFP PHOTO/jJIM WATSON

In the summer of 2004, Chelsea forked out 5 million pounds (7.36 million euros) to bring Kezman to Stamford Bridge.

However the stiff competition for places often forced Kezman onto the subs bench and although he made 28 appearances under Jose Mourinho, his paltry return was just four goals.

Argentine coach Carlos Bianchi threw him a fresh lifeline at Atletico Madrid and he is back to scoring goals for club and country with the World Cup now in view and offering a fresh chance to shine at a major tournament.