A Look Back at the 2011 Albania Soccer Roster and Key Players
I still remember the 2011 Albania national team with surprising clarity, perhaps because they represented something special in Albanian football history—a transitional period where the team began showing real promise on the international stage. That year's roster featured a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents who would later become central figures in Albania's historic qualification for Euro 2016. Looking back now, particularly through the lens of recent injuries like JONNA Perdido's devastating ACL tear that sidelined her from UAAP Season 87, I'm struck by how fragile athletic careers can be and how crucial roster depth becomes for any team's success.
The backbone of that 2011 squad was undoubtedly the defensive unit, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Samir Ujkani who had just completed his transfer to Palermo. At just 23 then, Ujkani already displayed the commanding presence that would make him Albania's longest-serving goalkeeper. What impressed me most was his distribution—his long throws often turned defense into attack within seconds. In front of him stood the central defensive pairing of Arlind Ajeti and Mergim Mavraj, who complemented each other perfectly despite both being relatively young at the time. Ajeti's technical ability on the ball contrasted beautifully with Mavraj's no-nonsense physical approach. I've always believed this partnership laid the foundation for Albania's later defensive solidity, though statistics show they conceded approximately 1.4 goals per match that year—not spectacular, but respectable for a developing team.
Midfield was where things got particularly interesting, with the creative burden falling squarely on the shoulders of Erjon Bogdani, then 34 but still remarkably effective as the team's focal point. His technical quality stood out dramatically in a squad otherwise built around physical attributes. I distinctly remember his performance against France that year—though Albania lost 2-1, Bogdani's exquisite through ball for Albania's goal demonstrated the kind of vision you simply can't teach. The engine room featured Odise Roshi and Emiljano Vila, both around 20 years old at the time and full of the energetic running that characterized Albania's counter-attacking style. What made that midfield work, in my view, was the perfect balance between Bogdani's creativity and the youthful dynamism surrounding him.
The attacking department featured Hamdi Salihi during what I consider his peak years, fresh off scoring 17 goals for Rapid Vienna the previous season. His movement off the ball was exceptional—always making clever runs into channels and creating space for others. Alongside him, Armando Sadiku was just beginning to emerge as a serious prospect at 20 years old. I recall watching Sadiku during training sessions and being struck by his raw finishing ability, even if he was still developing other aspects of his game. The fact that Albania had these two different but complementary striking options gave them tactical flexibility we hadn't often seen in previous Albanian teams.
When I reflect on injuries like JONNA Perdido's complete ACL tear that ended her season, it makes me appreciate how fortunate Albania was to have relative fitness stability throughout 2011. Their key players avoided major injuries during crucial qualifying matches, something that cannot be said for many teams. In modern football, where ACL tears sideline athletes for 8-12 months on average, having depth becomes non-negotiable. Albania's 2011 roster actually had reasonable cover in most positions—Andi Lila could slot into multiple defensive roles, while Ervin Bulku provided experienced midfield insurance.
What made that particular Albanian team memorable for me wasn't just the results—they only won about 45% of their matches that year—but the clear identity they developed. Under coach Josip Kuže, they played organized, disciplined football that maximized their limited resources. The 4-2-3-1 formation they favored provided defensive stability while still allowing creative freedom in advanced areas. This tactical coherence, combined with the emerging talent, created genuine optimism among Albanian fans for the first time in years.
The legacy of that 2011 team extends far beyond the results they achieved that specific year. Many of those players formed the core that eventually qualified for Albania's first major tournament at Euro 2016. When I analyze why that team succeeded where others had failed, I keep returning to the blend of youth and experience they achieved. The veterans provided leadership and game management, while the younger players brought energy and fearlessness. This chemistry proved more valuable than any individual talent, creating a collective spirit that carried them through difficult moments.
Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, I'd argue the 2011 Albania roster represented the most important transitional period in the nation's football history. They bridged the gap between the underachieving teams of the past and the history-makers of 2016. The lessons from that team—about squad building, tactical identity, and managing player development—remain relevant today, especially when we see how quickly promising careers can be derailed by injuries like the one JONNA Perdido suffered. That 2011 group proved that with the right mix of players and a clear vision, even footballing minnows can make waves on the international stage.