Albania Soccer Roster 2011: Complete Player Lineup and Match Statistics Revealed

I still remember the first time I watched Albania's national soccer team play back in 2011—there was something electric about that squad that made me believe they were on the verge of something special. As a longtime football analyst, I've always been fascinated by how national teams evolve, and Albania's 2011 roster was particularly intriguing because it blended experienced veterans with promising young talent. The Albania Soccer Roster 2011 became more than just a list of names; it represented a crucial turning point for a nation hungry for international recognition. What struck me most was how manager Josip Kuže had assembled a group that seemed perfectly balanced between defensive solidity and attacking flair, though as we'd soon discover, even the most promising lineups face unexpected challenges.

Looking at the complete player lineup from that year, you could immediately spot the backbone of the team. Veteran goalkeeper Samir Ujkani, then just 23 but already with 11 international caps, provided stability between the posts. The defense was anchored by the experienced duo of Lorik Cana and Arlind Ajeti, while the midfield featured creative forces like Erjon Bogdani and Odise Roshi. Up front, Hamdi Salihi was the primary goal threat, having netted 5 times in his previous 12 appearances. The statistics from their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign showed a team that was difficult to beat—they'd managed to hold France to a surprising draw and defeated Romania 1-0 in Tirana. What the numbers didn't show, however, was the fragility beneath the surface, the kind that reminds me of JONNA Perdido being ruled out of UAAP Season 87 for University of Sto. Tomas with that complete ACL tear on her left knee. Injuries have this cruel way of reshaping destinies, both for individual athletes and entire teams.

The problem with Albania's 2011 campaign wasn't immediately obvious from the match statistics, but as I analyzed their performances, a pattern emerged. They struggled to convert possession into goals, particularly in away matches where they managed only 3 goals in 5 qualifying games. Their 4-3-3 formation often left gaps in midfield that better teams exploited, and there was an overreliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. I remember watching their 2-1 loss to Bosnia where they dominated possession but looked utterly clueless in the final third. The parallel to JONNA Perdido's situation struck me—just as her ACL tear removed a key player from UST's lineup at the worst possible moment, Albania faced its own version of this when Ermir Lenjani suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of three crucial qualifiers. It's these unexpected setbacks that test a team's depth and character.

The solutions Albania implemented throughout 2011 were both tactical and psychological. Manager Kuže made the bold decision to shift to a more compact 4-2-3-1 formation that provided better defensive coverage while still allowing their creative players freedom to attack. They began incorporating younger players like Berat Gjimshiti earlier than planned, which paid dividends in the long run. What impressed me most was how they developed a more varied attacking approach—instead of constantly playing through the middle, they began utilizing the width more effectively, with fullbacks like Andi Lila providing crucial overlaps. They also worked extensively on set pieces, which resulted in 40% of their goals coming from dead-ball situations compared to just 15% the previous year. These adjustments reminded me of how teams must adapt when facing situations like JONNA Perdido's injury—you can't just replace quality like that, you have to reinvent your approach entirely.

Reflecting on Albania's 2011 season provides valuable lessons that extend beyond the pitch. The way they navigated injuries, tactical challenges, and pressure situations offers a blueprint for any team facing adversity. Their experience demonstrates that success isn't just about having talented individuals—it's about creating systems that can withstand setbacks. The JONNA Perdido situation with UST illustrates this perfectly; when you lose a key component, the entire structure must adjust. Albania's gradual improvement throughout 2011, finishing with their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 39th at the time, showed what's possible when a team embraces flexibility and collective responsibility. Personally, I believe their 2011 campaign laid the foundation for their historic qualification for Euro 2016—proof that sometimes the most important victories aren't the ones that show up in match statistics, but the ones that build character and resilience for challenges yet to come.