A source of inspiration for Denmark

Danish Jesper Gronkjaer (L) vies with Ben Federspiel from Luxemburg, 11 June 2003 at Josy Barthel stadium in Luxembourg, during the Euro-2004 qualifications group 2 between Luxembourg and Danemark. Danemark won 0-6.

Wily winger Jesper Gronkjaer provides Denmark with a great creative influence from either side of the park and his speedy runs down the flanks are a constant menace to opposing defences.

He will not yet be 27-years-old by the time Euro 2004 wraps up but is already approaching 50 caps for his country after first making a name at Ajax before a big money move to the English Premiership and London giants Chelsea.

French defender Lilian Thuram (L) is challenged by Danish forward Jesper Gronkjaer during the Euro-2000 Group D first round match between France and Denmark, 11 June 2000 at the Jan-Breydel stadium in Bruges (Bel).

The light footed Gronkjaer was one of the few bright spots in a poor Danish side at Euro 2000 where they lost all three matches, but it was his silky skills that prompted Claudio Ranieri to bring him to Stamford Bridge at a price of just over 11 million euros.

Danish forward Jesper Gronkjaer (L) clashes with Senegalese defender Lamine Diatta in their Group A match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Daegu, 06 June 2002. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. AFP PHOTO/Jimin LAI

He began his career with Aalborg spending three seasons in the Danish top flight before a move to Amsterdam, although his time with the Dutch club was blighted by injury.

He made his debut for Chelsea against Arsenal following Euro 2000 and turned in some sparkling displays in his first season in England.

A key member of the Danish squad that qualified for the 2002 World Cup, Gronkjaer and co. caused a stir by helping eliminate holders France in the first round but then came unstuck against England losing 3-0 in the last 16.

Important goal for Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Jesper Gronkjaer celebrates after scoring Chelsea's third goal against Newcastle United 31 January 2001, during their F.A. Premiership match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won 3-1. AFP PHOTO GERRY PENNY/gp

Now at Chelsea, the fight for places is fierce since the arrival of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich who has brought in a number of high profile stars, but Gronkjaer continues to play on a regular basis both for club and country.

His only major honour to date was winning the Dutch Cup with Ajax in 1999, but with the emergence of Chelsea, it is likely he will have his hands on more silverware before his career comes to a close.

He is more of a creative player than a goalscorer but grabbed probably the most important goal of his career in the last match of the 2003 season driving home the winner against Liverpool that took Chelsea into the Champions League at the expense of their opponents.

It is debatable whether Abramovich and his massive chequebook would have found its way to London if Chelsea had failed to qualify for Europe's biggest and most prestigious competition, hence the importance of Gronkjaer's strike.

He now finds himself at the heart of one of the most exciting clubs in Europe while at national level, he is a key part of Denmark's ambitions in the near future which is presently dominated by Euro 2004.