Kristjan Asllani: A Beacon of Hope in Albania's Defeat Against Spain

In a match that saw Albania narrowly defeated by Spain with a score of 0-1, Kristjan Asllani shone brightly amidst the challenges. Despite the loss and Albania's subsequent elimination from the competition, the 22-year-old central midfielder, who plays for Internazionale, delivered a performance that highlighted his potential and importance to the team.

Born in Elbasan, Albania, and standing at 179 cm tall, Asllani weighs 68 kg and is known for his right-footed precision. His contract with Internazionale runs until June 2027, and based on his recent display, it is clear why the Italian giants secured his services.

A Standout Performance

Albania's overall performance was that of an underdog struggling to make an impact against a dominant Spanish side. David Raya, Aymeric Laporte, and Daniel Vivian had little trouble managing the Albanian attack. However, Kristjan Asllani was a beacon of light in the midfield, demonstrating remarkable skill and composure.

Occupying primarily the central and left side of the pitch, Asllani was a key distributor for his team. He had an impressive 90 touches on the ball, the highest among his teammates and second only to Spain's Daniel Vivian, who had 100 touches. Asllani's passing accuracy stood at 86%, further highlighting his reliability in possession. In comparison, the second-highest touches in the Albanian team were by Mario Mitaj, with 77 touches.

Driving Forward with Confidence

Asllani's outstanding confidence in receiving and carrying the ball was evident throughout the match. He showcased his ability to anticipate the game and execute progressive plays. His six progressive passes surpassed his previous best of three against Croatia, underlining his development and growing influence on the pitch.

One of the most notable aspects of Asllani's performance was his involvement in shot-creating actions. He was responsible for six of Albania's ten shots, making five key passes to set up his teammates. His quick decision-making and accurate long-range shooting added a dynamic edge to Albania's attack.

Highlight Moments

Asllani's performance was punctuated by three standout moments:

1. 44th Minute: Receiving the ball from Mario Mitaj, Asllani controlled it expertly from nearly 25 meters out and unleashed a tricky yet powerful shot. David Raya's quick reflexes were the only thing that prevented a goal.
2. 64th Minute: In a similar position, Asllani controlled the ball and shot again, only to see his effort blocked and deflected onto the goalpost. It was an unlucky miss but showcased his persistent threat.
3. 76th Minute: After receiving a pass from Armando Broja, Asllani dribbled past a Spanish midfielder and executed a delightful curved shot with his weaker left foot from 25-30 meters out. The shot narrowly missed, passing next to the woodwork on the right side.

Kristjan Asllani vs SPAIN

Minutes Played : 90'

Touches : 90

Goals : 0

Assists : 0

xGoals : 0.2

xAssists : 0.2

ShotsOnTarget/Total(Rate) : 1/4(25%)

Interceptions : 0

Shot-Creating Actions : 6

Key-Passes : 5

PassesCompleted/Attempted(Rate) : 62/72 (86,1%)

Progressive Passes : 6

Carries(Progressive) : 49(1)

Kristjan Asllani's stats in UEFA Euro

Minutes Played : 270'

Touches : 211

Goals : 0

Assists : 0

xGoals : 0.6

xAssists : 0.6

xGoals per 90' : 0.18

ShotsOnTarget/Total(Rate) : 3/8(37,5%)

Interceptions : 3

Shot-Creating Actions : 14

PassesCompleted/Attempted(Rate) : 155/184 (84,2%)

Progressive Passes : 10

Carries(Progressive) : 129(3)

Future Prospects

Although Albania's journey in the UEFA Euro has come to an end, Kristjan Asllani's performances provide a glimmer of hope for the future. His creativity, technique, and leadership qualities at such a young age suggest that he will be a central figure in Albania's national team in the coming years. Asllani's ability to influence the game and create opportunities makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop and gain experience on the international stage.

In conclusion, while Albania may be out of the competition, Kristjan Asllani's standout performance against Spain is a reminder of the talent and potential within their ranks. Asllani's rise promises a bright future for the national team, and fans can look forward to his continued contributions in future competitions.

Stats via FBref.com

UEFA EURO 2024