Plzeň signs Slovak defender Vavro, known for his tough style of play

Football club Viktoria Plzeň have announced the signing of Slovak defender Denis Vavro, who has spent the last eight years playing abroad. The 30-year-old Slovakia international could make his debut for his new side as early as Sunday, in a home Czech league match against Slovácko.

Rumours of Vavro's move to Plzeň first surfaced in the German press on Friday, and just a day later the club officially unveiled the new signing. He could go straight into the squad of new head coach Radoslav Kováč, who took charge six days ago following the dismissal of Martin Hyský.

An experienced fighter at the back

"Denis brings us a huge amount of experience. He has played for big clubs in prestigious competitions and is one of the pillars of the Slovak national team. He's a real fighter who gives everything on the pitch, and that's exactly what we'll need in what promises to be a tough season," sporting director Martin Vozábal told the club website.

Coach Kováč also praised the new arrival: "We're getting a player with a strong leadership quality, someone hardened by big tournaments. He'll definitely help us organise our play."

The defender himself admitted he already knows his new club well: "I can't wait for this challenge. I know Viktoria well — I've played against them, including in friendlies. And of course I know the lads from the national team well too, Peňo Hrošovský and David Krčík."

A reputation for hard tackles

The 30-year-old centre-back is known as a genuine enforcer — his duels have often left opponents injured. His own national team colleague, former Sparta captain Lukáš Haraslín, found that out the hard way: two years ago, in a friendly between Sparta and Copenhagen, Vavro flattened him with a hard challenge and was sent off.

Over the past eight years the defender has played abroad for Copenhagen, Lazio, Huesca and Wolfsburg. In all of those clubs except Lazio, he was a key figure in defence.

Since Kováč's arrival, Viktoria have become noticeably more active in the transfer market: on Friday the club already completed the signing of defender Adam Gabriel from Danish side Midtjylland. He too could make his Plzeň debut in Sunday's match against Slovácko.

Source: sport.cz