Albania outdid themselves in the qualifiers for the Euros 2024. Coach Sylvinho, appointed in 2023, led Albania to eight unbeaten matches in the qualifiers for the Euros 2024. The wins led Group E and helped them qualify for their second Euros.
Team Albania depended on Armando Broja, Rey Manaj, and Marash Kumbulla. However, because of injuries they could not play, and coach Sylvinho decided to put faith in young players who had never played international football before. Jasir Asani, Arbnor Muja, Mario Mitaj, and Mirlind Daku proved their coach right.
One can only hope that the resilience and tactical experience displayed by Team Albania in the qualifiers will be enough to propel them to success in the Euros 2024.
Team Albania Goal Keepers
https://gty.im/1239550113
Etrit Berisha is the goalkeeper of choice for Team Albania. His second will be Thomas Strakosha. Despite both of them not playing much this season, the team has high expectations of them. Elhan Kastrati and Simon Simoni will be backups.
| Player | Club |
| Simon Simoni | Frankfurt |
| Elhan Kastrati | Cittadella |
| Thomas Strakosha | Brentford |
| Etrit Berisha | Empoli |
Team Albania Defenders
https://gty.im/2157185285
The four defenders that the coach will include in most games for the Euros 2024 are Iván Balliu, Mario Mitaj, and Elseid Hysaj.
Mario Mitaj will play a huge part. The left-back regularly plays as a defensive midfielder. As a result, he has started getting noticed by many clubs.
| Player | Club |
| Iván Balliu | Rayo Vallecano |
| Mario Mitaj | Lokomotiv Moscow |
| Elseid Hysaj | Lazio |
| Berat Gjimshiti | Atalanta |
| Enea Mihaj | Famalicão |
| Marash Kumbulla | Sassuolo |
| Naser Aliji | Voluntari |
| Arlind Arjeti | CFR Cluj-Napoca |
| Adrian Ismailji | Empoli |
Team Albania Midfielders
https://gty.im/2157897859
Here, all eyes will be on Kristjan Asllani and Nedim Bajrami.
The coach in an interview with the UEFA shared the strengths of Asllani, he said,
“Kristjan is a technically gifted player who’s great with both feet. He’s capable of playing on both sides. He’s technical, young and forging his path. He has a lot to learn still like any 21 or 22-year-old player. He’s really strong in terms of his technical ability and is blessed with a lot of personality. He’s a top player.”
| Player | Club |
| Medon Berisha | Lecce |
| Nedim Bajrami | Sassuolo |
| Qazim Laçi | Sparta Prague |
| Ylber Ramadani | Lecce |
| Kristjan Asllani | Inter Milan |
| Amir Abrashi | Grasshoppers |
| Klaus Gjasula | Darmstadt |
| Ernest Muci |
Besiktas
|
Team Albania Forwards
https://gty.im/2157133007
Sokol Cikalleshi retired from international football after missing from Team Albania’s final list. He was by far the most experienced player. Rey Manaj and Jasir Asani will try to fill the shoes left by Cikalleshi.
Jasir Asani is a long-range scorer who has only been able to play for eight minutes at his club. He was having contract disagreements with his club in South Korea- Gwangju. Despite the setbacks, his coach has high expectations of him.
The coach said,
“Asani is a player we picked out in [South] Korea. He’s a left-footed player who plays on the right and cuts in, which we like. He scores important and great goals, like the ones against Poland and Moldova. He’s a great player with top quality, who’s got a great long shot on him. He’s really coming into his own in the national team.”
| Player | Club |
| Rey Manaj | Sivasspor |
| Jasir Asani | Gwangju FC |
| Taulant Seferi | Taulant Seferi |
| Armando Broja | Fulham |
| Arbër Hoxha | Dinamo Zagreb |
| Mirlind Daku |
Rubin Kazan
|
Key Members
Coach: Sylvinho
Captain: Berat Djimsiti
Star Man: Kristjan Asllani
One to Watch: Mario Mitaj
Despite having a rough start at the Euros 2024, Coach Sylvinho seemed to have been prepared with the remarks shared in his interview. He said,
“We’ve got this far, we know our size, we’re improving. It’s set to be a real challenge. However, we’ll knuckle down to work. The games will be fantastic but hard, and if we’re able to overcome our opponents, we want to keep going. We’re doing well but if we can take another step forward, then even better.“
All we can do is wait, and see how Team Albania restructures with every step they take in the Euros 2024.
About the Author
Joan, a passionate sports enthusiast from Kenya, enjoys diving into the world of sports and sharing insights through engaging articles. When not cheering on favorite teams, Joan immerses herself in the dynamic world of digital marketing, exploring new trends and strategies. Joan looks forward to connecting on LinkedIn and X, hoping to meet fellow sports fans and marketing enthusiasts.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
