Alexandru Mitriță

Alexandru Ionuț Mitriță (Romanian pronunciation: [alekˈsandru joˈnut͡s miˈtrit͡sə]; born 8 February 1995) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger for Al-Ahli on loan from New York City, and the Romania national team.

Alexandru Mitriță
Mitriță with Romania in 2019
Personal information
Full name Alexandru Ionuț Mitriță
Date of birth (1995-02-08) 8 February 1995
Place of birth Craiova, Romania
Height 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in)[1]
Position(s)
Attacking midfielder / Winger
Club information
Current team
 Al-Ahli
(on loan from New York City)
Number 28
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2012 CS Turnu Severin 5 (0)
2013–2015 Viitorul Constanța 50 (6)
2013–2014 → Steaua București (loan) 0 (0)
2015–2018 Pescara 34 (2)
2017 → Universitatea Craiova (loan) 17 (7)
2018–2019 Universitatea Craiova 32 (18)
2019– New York City 44 (16)
2020– → Al-Ahli (loan) 14 (3)
National team‡
2011 Romania U17 3 (0)
2013–2014 Romania U19 6 (4)
2014–2015 Romania U21 8 (1)
2018– Romania 14 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17 January 2021
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 14 October 2020

He represented Turnu Severin, Viitorul Constanța and FC Steaua București before moving abroad to Pescara in 2015, aged 20. After two years in Italy, Mitriță returned to his country with Universitatea Craiova, where he became an undisputed starter and won the Cupa României. His good display earned him a transfer to the Major League Soccer, joining New York City in February 2019 as a Designated Player.

At international level, Mitriță earned caps for several youth sides of Romania before making his full debut in March 2018.

Club career

Early years / Viitorul

A native of Craiova, Mitriță started his senior career with Turnu Severin in 2011, and in early 2013 he joined Viitorul Constanța.[2] In September, aged 18, he was loaned by FC Steaua București to play for their UEFA Youth League side;[3] his senior output for the latter club consisted of only one match in the Cupa României, and he returned to Viitorul the following year.

Mitriță played his first match upon his return on 23 February 2014, in a 2–1 away win against Dinamo București.[4] He recorded his first Liga I goal on 21 May that year, in a 1–0 victory over Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț.[5]

Pescara

In July 2015, Mitriță was transferred to Italian club Pescara for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be around €1 million.[6] He made 20 appearances and scored one goal in all competitions in his debut campaign, as the team achieved promotion to the Serie A.

Mitriță's first goal in the Italian top division came on 22 May 2017, in a 2–0 home defeat of Palermo.[7]

Universitatea Craiova

On 21 July 2017, CS Universitatea Craiova announced that they had reached an agreement for the loan of Mitriță.[8] He made his competitive debut six days later in a 0–1 home loss to A.C. Milan in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.[9] His first goal came in a domestic league fixture against Astra Giurgiu on 6 August, which ended 1–1.[10] Mitriță scored both goals in a 2–0 win against his former team Viitorul Constanța, on 20 August 2017.[11]

On 16 December, he converted a free kick in a 2–1 league victory over eventual champions CFR Cluj.[12] Only a few days earlier, Italian and Romanian press reported that Craiova had signed him on a permanent basis;[13][14] the deal was confirmed on 17 January 2018, with the Alb-albaștrii paying a previously-agreed €730,000 to Pescara, which would also be entitled to 15% from a future transfer fee.[15]

Mitriță netted his first goal of 2018 on 10 March, an 82nd-minute winner against Astra Giurgiu.[16] On 14 April, he scored his first career hat-trick in a 4–1 home defeat of Politehnica Iași.[17] In the Cupa României final on 27 May, he scored a goal and was named man of the match as Universitatea Craiova won 2–0 over second division side Hermannstadt.[18][19] Mitriță finished his first campaign in Craiova with 38 appearances and 16 goals across all competitions, being selected by Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal in the best team of the Liga I championship play-offs.[20]

In July 2018, he gained team captaincy[21] and played the full 90 minutes in the 0–1 Supercupa României loss to CFR Cluj.[22] By the end of the first part of the regular season in late October, Mitriță had netted nine league goals, sharing the top scorer position with FCSB's Harlem Gnohéré.[23] On 9 November, he was sent off in the 57th minute after receiving two yellow cards—both for diving—in an eventual 1–1 draw with Sepsi Sfântu Gheorghe. Mitriță also cursed referee Radu Petrescu, but he was only awarded a one-match suspension.[24] Later that month, he was nominated for Gazeta Sporturilor's 2018 Romanian Footballer of the Year award.[25] On 19 December, the last fixture of the calendar year, he scored his fourth doppietta of the campaign in a 2–0 victory against Gaz Metan Mediaș.[26]

New York City

Amid rumours linking Mitriță to a transfer to Major League Soccer side New York City FC, he was left out of the Universitatea Craiova squad to face Viitorul Constanța on 3 February 2019.[27] The following day, he officially joined the American club as a Designated Player.[28] Craiova general manager Marcel Popescu revealed the transfer fee to be US$9.1 million (roughly €8 million), which supposedly made Mitriță the third-most expensive sale of the Romanian league championship.[29][30] He made his debut on 8 February, celebrating his birthday by opening the scoring in a friendly game against Swedish team AIK in Abu Dhabi.[31] In the campaign's opener on 2 March, Mitriță assisted captain Alexander Ring's goal in a 2–2 draw with Orlando City.[32] He netted his first competitive New York City goal on the 17th of the same month, in a 2–2 draw with Los Angeles FC.[33]

Mitriță became a regular goalscorer at the club, and on 25 September—his 24th match overall in the starting lineup—managed a hat-trick in a 4–1 defeat of MLS Cup 2018 champions Atlanta United.[34] New York City lost the next and final regular fixture against New England Revolution, but still finished top of the Eastern Conference table. On 23 October, Mitriță played the full 90 minutes in a 1–2 loss to Toronto FC in the Conference Semifinals, and thus ended the year with 32 appearances and thirteen goals all competitions comprised. His individual performances also earned him fourth place in Gazeta Sporturilor's 2019 Romanian Footballer of the Year award.[35]

On 8 October 2020, Mitriță moved on loan to Saudi Professional League side Al-Ahli Saudi until 31 January 2022.[36]

International career

In March 2018, Mitriță was called up for Romania senior team's friendlies with Israel and Sweden later that month,[37] after reportedly impressing coach Cosmin Contra.[38] He made his debut in the former match on the 24th, and offered an assist to George Țucudean in a 2–1 win in Netanya.[39]

Mitriță scored his first goal at the national team on 12 October 2019, helping to a 3–0 away success against the Faroe Islands after replacing Florinel Coman in the 69th minute.[40] Three days later, he netted again in a 1–1 draw with Norway, also counting for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Style of play

Mitriță is deployed as an attacking midfielder or a winger on either flank,[5] having been noted for pace and technical ability which allow him to take on opponents in one-on-one situations.[38][41]

Personal life

Mitriță's uncle, Dumitru, was also a professional footballer. He played for several clubs, including Universitatea Craiova and Steaua București.[42][43]

Mitriță stated that growing up he idolized Lionel Messi and looked to emulate him.[44]

In October 2018, Mitriță tattooed on the back of his neck a piece of advice he was given by two-times Romanian Footballer of the Year winner Ilie Balaci shortly before his passing away.[45]

Career statistics

Club
As of 17 January 2021[46]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Turnu Severin 2010–11 Liga II 20————20
2011–12 3000———30
Total 5000———50
Viitorul Constanța 2012–13 Liga I 7000———70
2013–14 15100———151
2014–15 2750021——296
2015–16 100000——10
Total 5060021——527
Pescara 2015–16 Serie B 19110———201
2016–17 Serie A 15120———171
Total 34230———372
Universitatea Craiova 2017–18 Liga I 311254—20—3816
2018–19 181310—20102213
Total 492564—40106029
New York City FC 2019 Major League Soccer 301221—00—3213
2020 Major League Soccer 14400—31—175
Total 441621—31004918
Al Ahli Saudi FC 2020-21 Saudi Professional League 12320—00—143
Total 12320—0000143
Career total 1945213521911021659

International
As of 14 October 2020[47]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Romania
201860
201952
202030
Total142

International goals
As of 15 October 2019 (Romania score listed first, score column indicates score after each Mitriță goal)[47]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 12 October 2019Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands8 Faroe Islands2–03–0UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
2 15 October 2019Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania9 Norway1–01–1

Honours

Club

Steaua București

Universitatea Craiova

Individual

References
  1. "Alexandru Mitrita - Player Profile - Football". Eurosport. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  2. "Mitriţă a debutat cu dreptul la Viitorul" [Mitriţă had a great debut for Viitorul]. Informația de Severin (in Romanian). 2013. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  3. "Am împrumutat jucătorii pentru un an, cu opţiune de cumpărare pentru fiecare" [We loaned out the players for one year, with an option to buy for every each of them] (in Romanian). Fanatik. 3 September 2013.
  4. "Dinamo 1–2 Viitorul Constanta. Incredibil! Debut de cosmar pentru Cioinac! Si-a dat autogol si a facut penalty in minutul 89!" [Dinamo 1–2 Viitorul Constanța. Incredible! Nightmare debut for Cioinac! He scored an own goal and made a penalty in the 89th minute!] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  5. "Negocieri dure pentru Mitriţă Jr" [Tough negotiations for Mitrița Jr.] (in Romanian). Micapi. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  6. "Alexandru Mitriţă a semnat cu Pescara" [Alexandru Mitriţă signed for Pescara] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 15 July 2015. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  7. "Alexandru Mitriță a reușit primul său gol în Serie A » Execuție fină a fostului jucător de la Viitorul" [Alexandru Mitriță scored his first Serie A goal » Good strike of the former Viitorul player]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 23 May 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  8. "Întoarcerea fiului dribbleur: Alexandru Mitriță a revenit acasă!" [The return of the son with technical ability: Alexandru Mitriță is back at home!] (in Romanian). CS Universitatea Craiova. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  9. "U Craiova 0–1 Milan". UEFA. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  10. "CS Universitatea Craiova – Astra Giurgiu 1–1. Băluţă s-a accidentat" [CS Universitatea Craiova – Astra Giurgiu 1–1. Băluţă was injured] (in Romanian). Jurnalul. 6 August 2017. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  11. "Viitorul – CS Universitatea Craiova 0–2. Mitriță face dubla" [Viitorul – CS Universitatea Craiova 0–2. Mitriță scores a brace] (in Romanian). Jurnalul. 20 August 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  12. "Mitriţă a sărbătorit transferul definitiv cu unul dintre cele mai frumoase goluri ale sezonului" [Mitriță celebrated his full transfer with one of the most beautiful goals of the season] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  13. "CS U Craiova a dat primul "tun" pe piaţa transferurilor! Anunţul făcut de presa din Italia" [CS U Craiova make the first big transfer! The Italian press announcement] (in Romanian). ProSport. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  14. "OFICIAL! Transfer de 700.000 de euro la Craiova! Oltenii dau prima lovitura a iernii" [OFFICIAL! 700,000 euros transfer for Craiova! "The People from Oltenia" make the first move of the winter] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  15. "Argintul-viu Mitriță a semnat oficial cu Știința până în vara lui 2021!" [Quicksilver Mitriță officially signed for Știința until the summer of 2021] (in Romanian). CS Universitatea Craiova. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  16. "Mitriță a salvat Craiova: "Suntem o echipă mare! Nu ne gândim la titlu"" [Mitriță saved Craiova: "We are a big team! We don't think about the title"] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  17. "Mitriţă, după primul hattrick din carieră: "Zlatinski trebuia să bată penalty-ul, dar l-am rugat să mă lase pe mine"" [Mitriță, after the first hat-trick in his career: "Zlatinski should have taken the penalty, but I asked him to allow me."] (in Romanian). Telekom Sport. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  18. "Toată lumea știe, Cupa-i în Bănie!" [Everyone knows, the Cup is in Bănie!] (in Romanian). CS Universitatea Craiova. 27 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  19. "Mitrita, omul finalei: "De asta am venit la Craiova, sa castig un trofeu!" Reactia dupa banner-ul afisat in tribune: "S-a ajuns prea departe!" :)" [Mitriță, the man of the final: "That's why I came to Craiova, to win a trophy!" His reaction after the banner displayed in the stadium: "It went too far!" :)] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 27 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  20. "Revista LPF: Echipa play-off" [LPF magazine: Play-off team] (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. 30 May 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  21. "Mitriţă, noul căpitan al Craiovei, e optimist înaintea meciului cu CFR Cluj: "Vrem să ne batem pentru acest trofeu". Ce spune despre o posibilă plecare a sa din Bănie" [Mitriță, the new captain of Craiova, hopeful before the match with CFR Cluj: "We want to fight for this trophy". What he says about a possible departure from Bănie] (in Romanian). ProSport. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  22. "CFR Cluj a câștigat Supercupa României 2018" [CFR Cluj won the 2018 Romanian Supercup] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  23. "Clasamentele marcatorilor și pasatorilor" [Goalscorers and assist makers rankings] (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  24. "Sancțiunea primită de Mitriţă, după ce a înjurat ca la uşa cortului în partida cu Sepsi şi a fost eliminat" [The sanction received by Mitriță, after he swore in the game with Sepsi and was sent off] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  25. "Direct în cartea de istorie! Alegem împreună SUPERLATIVELE anului 2018 » Votează-ți preferații AICI!" [Straight in the history books! We are choosing together the SUPERLATIVES of the year 2018 » Vote your favorites HERE!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 30 November 2018. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  26. ""Bătrânul a fost un om cheie". Cui a dedicat Mitriță reușitele cu Gaz Metan + mesajul pentru Pleșca" ["The old man was a key man". Who he dedicated the Gaz Metan goals to + the message for Pleșca] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 19 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  27. "ALEX MITRIȚĂ LA NEW YORK CITY // Mijlocașul nu e în lot cu Viitorul » Când poate debuta la americani + echipa de start a Craiovei cu Viitorul" [ALEX MITRIȚĂ TO NEW YORK CITY // The midfielder is not in the squad against Viitorul » When he can make his debut for the Americans + Craiova's starting eleven against Viitorul]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 3 February 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  28. "#WelcomeAlexandru | NYCFC Sign Romanian International Alexandru Mitriță". New York City FC. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  29. "Jackpot pentru Craiova! Suma reală plătită de New York City pentru Mitriţă. Oltenii păstrează toţi banii: "Cu Pescara avem treburile noastre"" [Jackpot for Craiova! The real fee paid by New York City for Mitriță. Oltenii will keep all the money: "We have our deal with Pescara"] (in Romanian). ProSport. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  30. "Mitrita, in topul celor mai scumpi jucatori din istoria Ligii 1: Iata cati bani a incasat Craiova" [Mitriță, at the top of the most expensive players in the history of Liga 1: The sum earned by Craiova] (in Romanian). Ziare.com. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  31. "Mitriță a reușit un super gol la primul meci pentru New York City, chiar de ziua lui" [Mitriță managed to score a wondergoal at his first match for New York City, right on his birthday] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  32. "Match Recap: Orlando 2-2 NYCFC". New York City FC. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  33. "Vela's second goal gives LAFC 2-2 draw at NYCFC". ESPN. 17 March 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  34. "Recap: New York City FC vs. Atlanta United FC 09/25/2019 | Matchcenter". MLSSoccer.com. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  35. "Romania - Player of the Year Awards". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 3 April 2020. 4. Ionut Alexandru MITRITA (New York City FC)
  36. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/08/nycfc-loan-forward-alexandru-mitrita-saudi-arabian-club-al-ahli-through-january-20-0
  37. "27 de jucători convocați pentru "dubla" cu Israel și Suedia" [27 players called-up for the "double" with Israel and Sweden] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 16 March 2018. Archived from the original on 17 March 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  38. "Surpriza lui Cosmin Contra pentru nationala Romaniei: Il convoaca pe noul sau favorit din Liga 1" [Cosmin Contra's surprise for the Romania national team: He calls up his new Liga 1 favourite] (in Romanian). Ziare. 14 March 2018. Retrieved 14 March 2018.
  39. "Mutări excelente făcute de Contra! Super goluri reușite de Stanciu și Țucudean" [Excellent moves made by Contra! Wonder goals managed by Stanciu and Țucudean] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  40. "Faroe Islands v Romania". ESPN. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  41. "Mitriţă, declaraţie de dragoste adresată în tribună: "Te iubesc!". Cărui fotbalist celebru al Craiovei i-au fost adresate cuvintele" [Mitriță, declaration of love to the stand: "I love you!". To which famous Craiova player it was addressed] (in Romanian). ProSport. 27 October 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  42. "Mitriţă vrea în Portugalia cu U17! "Sper să conving"" [Mitriță wants to go to Portugal with the under-17s! "I want to confirm the hopes"] (in Romanian). ProSport. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  43. "Familia sport » De la fondare, Hagi a adus la gruparea constănțeană o mulțime de fotbaliști ai căror tați, unchi sau rude apropiate au fost sportivi de performanță" [The sport family »Since founding, Hagi brought to the team from Constanta a lot of footballers whose fathers, uncles or close relatives were performance athletes] (in Romanian). Gsp.ro. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  44. ""Salah!?" Interviu spectaculos cu Mitriţă. Fundaşul român care i-a "mâncat" zilele, ce joc îl ţine treaz, burger cu bacon şi de ce nici Thriller al lui Michael Jackson nu l-ar speria" ["Salah!?" Spectacular interview with Mitriță. The Romanian defender who impressed him, which video game keeps him awake, the bacon burger and why Michael Jackson's Thriller would not scare him] (in Romanian). ProSport. 22 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  45. "Mitriță chiar a "înrămat" sfatul primit de la Ilie Balaci. Şi-a tatuat pe gât ultimele cuvinte pe care i le-a spus "Minunea Blondă"" [Mitriță really "framed" the advice he got from Ilie Balaci. He tattooed on his neck the last words "the Blonde Wonder" said to him] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  46. Alexandru Mitriță at Soccerway. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  47. "Alexandru Mitriță". European Football. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
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