Erjon Vucaj

Erjon Vucaj (born 25 December 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Kosovan club Drita.

Erjon Vucaj
Personal information
Full name Erjon Vucaj
Date of birth (1990-12-25) 25 December 1990
Place of birth Shkodër, Albania
Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Drita
Number 20
Youth career
2004–2007 Vllaznia Shkodër
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2008 Vllaznia Shkodër 1 (0)
2009–2014 Laçi 122 (23)
2014–2015 Flamurtari Vlorë 32 (0)
2015–2016 Tirana 30 (1)
2017 Laçi 15 (1)
2017–2018 Vllaznia Shkodër 31 (1)
2018– Drita 30 (1)
National team‡
2008 Albania U19 1 (0)
2010–2011 Albania U21 8 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 2 December 2018
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 13 August 2015

Grown up as a player at Vllaznia Shkodër, he has spent three years at Laçi, proving to be a pivotal player for this team's midfield and notably bringing the team to the qualifiers of the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League. In July 2012 he was loaned to Skënderbeu Korçë for their UEFA Champions League qualification campaign. He received second place, after winner Bekim Balaj, of an individual prestigious prize given from the sports association "Sporti na bashkon" to the best football talents of the Superliga's 2011–12 season. At the beginning of the 2012–13 season Laçi's coach promoted Vuçaj to team captain, which made him the youngest captain of the Superliga.

Vucaj represented Albania at youth levels, playing for the under-19, and -21 levels. He was called up for the first time in senior team in August 2012 but didn't make his debut.[1]

Club career

Vllaznia Shkodër

Vucaj began his career at his local club Vllaznia Shkodër as a youth, where he was eventually promoted to the senior team by the coach Mirel Josa during the 2007–08 season. Josa handed Vucaj his professional debut on 14 May 2008, during the penultimate game of the season against Dinamo Tirana. He came on at half time in a match which ended in a 3–0 defeat for Vucaj's side. That game proved to be his first and only league appearance for Vllaznia.[2]

Josa left the club right before the 2008–09 season, with Agim Canaj taking over as manager. The change of coach made it difficult for Vucaj to break into the first team. His only appearances during the entire 2008–09 season came in both legs of the Albanian Cup first round against Sopoti Librazhd, which Vllaznia won 8–1 on aggregate.[3][4] At the end of the season Vucaj refused to sign a new three-year contract at the club when his current deal ended in one year on 30 August 2010.[5] He was not included in the club's mini pre-season training plans and was eventually given permission from the directors to leave the club.[5]

Laçi

Vucaj spent the following three seasons (2009–10, 2010–11, and 2011–12) at Laçi during which he logged 69 presences and scored 5 goals. In the first season with Laçi he contributed to an unexpected historical qualification of Laçi to the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League, being fourth. In the 2010–11 season, Laçi was again fourth in the Superliga, but failed to qualify for the Europa League, whereas in the 2011–12 season Laçi came 8th within the 14 teams of Superliga. During this season Vucaj left his mark especially in a game against his former home team, Vllaznia, when he was declared the best player of the match. In that game Vucaj scored the decisive goal and was confirmed as the decisive leader of his team.[6]

At the end of the 2011–12 season, Vucaj received the second prize dedicated to the best football talents of Albania for 2011–12 from the sports association "Sporti na bashkon", the first prize being awarded to Bekim Balaj.[7]

In July 2012 Vucaj joined the Superliga champions Skënderbeu Korçë as a loan for their UEFA Champions League qualification campaign. He went on trial at their summer training camp in Austria, and coach Stanislav Levý was impressed after seeing him in two consecutive friendlies against Torpedo Kutaisi and Vaslui. This led to an agreement struck between Laçi and Skënderbeu to allow Vuçaj to be sent out loan for the European qualification campaign.[8]

In the beginning of the 2012–13 season, it was reported that Vucaj became the captain of Laçi, which is going to make him the youngest player in the Superliga with the honor of captaining a team.[9]

Flamurtari Vlorë

On 13 August 2014, Vucaj joined fellow Albanian Superliga side Flamurtari Vlorë by signing a two-year contract, taking the squad number 25 in the process.[10] He made his league debut with the club later ten days later in the opening match against Teuta Durrës, where Flamurtari emerged victorius by winning 2–1.[11] Throughout the season Vucaj would appear in 34 matches in all competitions, including 32 in league, failing to score in the process. He left the team in August 2015 after claiming that he was not paid by the club during his time there, sending the issue to the "Conflict Settlement Chamber" of AFA, becoming a free agent in the process.[12]

Tirana

On 12 August 2015, after becoming a free agent following the trail win over Flamurtari Vlorë,[13] Vuçaj signed with the most successful team of Albania, Tirana, for an undisclosed fee.[14] On 17 October 2015, he scored his first goal against his former club Flamurtari Vlorë in the opening moments of the game in the Qemal Stafa Stadium.[15] Vucaj was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in a 2–1 away defeat to Kukësi in the last day of the Albanian Superliga season.[16]

Return to Laçi

On 10 January 2017, Vucaj completed a transfer to Laçi as a free agent, signing a contract until the end of the season, returning in Laç after three years.[17] He was again named team captain, and made his return debut on 28 January in the 0–1 win at Korabi Peshkopi.[18] Vucaj scored his first goal of the season, his first Albanian Superliga goal in over a year, in the matchday 34 in a 3–0 home win over Vllaznia Shkodër, netting the opener via a penalty kick.[19] Laç escaped the relegation only on the final matchday by winning 2–1 at home versus Teuta Durrës, a match which Vucaj missed due to injury.[20] He made 15 league appearances during the second half of the season, all of them as starter, in addition 2 cup matches. He left the team August 2017.[21]

Return to Vllaznia Shkodër

On 27 August 2017, Vucaj returned to his boyhood club Vllaznia Shkodër by agreeing a deal for the next two seasons.[22] Immediately after signing the contract, Vucaj flew out to Berane, Montenegro to link up with the rest of the squad on their summer training camp.[22] He was handed squad number 20, and made his first appearance of the season in the opening matchday against newbie Lushnja which finished 2–0 for Vucaj's side.[23] He scored his first ever Vllaznia goal on 27 September in the returning leg of 2017–18 Albanian Cup first round over Kastrioti Krujë to help his side win 4–0 and to progress to next round.[24] Vucaj concluded the 2017–18 season by playing 32 games in league as Vllaznia was relegated for the first time in 60 years.[25]

Loan to Luftëtari Gjirokastër

On 8 July 2018, Vucaj was sent on a short-term loan at Luftëtari Gjirokastër for their UEFA Europa League campaign.[26] He played his first Europa League match in three years four days later in the first leg of first qualifying round versus Latvia's Ventspils which ended in a 5–0 crushing defeat.[27] He also played in the second leg which confirmed Luftëtari's elimination from the competition 8–3 on aggregate.[28] Following Luftëtari's elimination, Vucaj returned to Vllaznia ahead of the new season.[29]

Drita

On 17 August 2018, Vucaj signed with Kosovo's Drita for the 2018–19 season.[30]

International career

Vucaj received his first senior international call-up from Albania's coach, Gianni De Biasi for a friendly of against Moldova on 15 August 2012.[1][31] In an interview to the Panorama Sport newspaper, Vuçaj said that he was extremely happy about De Biasi's call.[32] He was an unused substitute in the goalless draw.[33]

Career statistics

Club
As of 2 December 2018[34][35]
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Vllaznia Shkodër 2007–08 Albanian Superliga 1000——10
2008–09 0020——20
Total 1020——30
Laçi 2009–10 Albanian Superliga 20120——221
2010–11 290202[lower-alpha 1]0—331
2011–12 20492——296
2012–13 248103——3412
2013–14 298622[lower-alpha 1]01[lower-alpha 2]03810
2013–14 ——3[lower-alpha 1]0—30
Total 12221297701015928
Skënderbeu Korçë (loan) 2012–13 Albanian Superliga ——2[lower-alpha 3]0—20
Flamurtari Vlorë 2014–15 Albanian Superliga 32010—1[lower-alpha 2]0330
Laçi (loan) 2015–16 Albanian Superliga ——2[lower-alpha 1]0—20
Tirana 2015–16 Albanian Superliga 20121——221
2016–17 10021——121
Total 30141——342
Laçi 2016–17 Albanian Superliga 15120——171
Vllaznia Shkodër 2017–18 Albanian Superliga 32141——362
2018–19 Albanian First Division 0000——00
Total 32141——362
Vllaznia Shkodër B (loan) 2017–18 Albanian First Division ———1[lower-alpha 4]020
Luftëtari Gjirokastër (loan) 2018–19 Albanian Superliga ——2[lower-alpha 1]0—20
Drita 2018–19 Superleague of Kosovo 140———140
Career total 2462442101303030434
  1. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  2. All appearance(s) in Albanian Supercup
  3. All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  4. All appearance(s) in Albanian First Division relegation play-off

Honours

Club
Vllaznia Shkodër[34]
Laçi[34]

References
  1. "De Biasi, tre surpriza në listën anti-Moldavi" [De Biasi, three surprises in anti-Moldova list] (in Albanian). Gazeta Tema. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  2. "Vllaznia Shkodër 0–3 Dinamo Tirana". Football Database. 14 May 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  3. "Sopoti Librazhd 0–4 Vllaznia Shkodër". Football Database. 29 October 2008. Retrieved 29 October 2008.
  4. "Vllaznia Shkodër 4–1 Sopoti Librazhd". Football Database. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2008.
  5. "Vila firmos për Dinamon e Zagrebit" [Vila signs for Dinamo Zagreb] (in Albanian). Shkodra online. 6 June 2010. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  6. Ardi Hasani (15 March 2012). "Laçi u bëhet makth kuqebluve të Vatës, Vllaznia akuzon kryesorin Kridens Meta" [Laci becomes Vata's red&blue nightmare, Vllaznia accuses principal Kridens Meta] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  7. "Bekim Balës i jepet çmimi "Talenti i sezonit 2011-2012"" [Bekim Balaj is given the award "Talent of 2011-2012 season"] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  8. "Vuçaj, vetem per sfidat e Championsit me Skenderbeun" [Vucaj, at Skënderbeu only for the Champions League matches] (in Albanian). Time.ikub.al. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  9. Mario Nikolli (25 August 2012). "Laçi, kapiten është një i kombëtares" (PDF) (in Albanian). Sportekspres. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  10. Adriatik Balla (13 August 2014). "Flamurtari mbyll merkaton me Erjon Vucaj" [Flamurtari finish the transfer market with Erjon Vucaj] (in Albanian). Sot.com.al. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  11. "Flamurtari Vlorë vs. Teuta Durrës 2 – 1". Soccerway. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  12. Gjergji Stefa (11 August 2015). "Vucaj dhe Veliu largohen nga Flamurtari" [Vucaj and Veliu leave Flamurtari] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  13. "Treshja Veliu-Vucaj-Arbri fitojnë gjyqin përballë Flamurtarit" [Trio Veliu-Vucaj-Arbri wins trail against Flamurtari] (in Albanian). Minuta90.com. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  14. "Tirana zyrtarizon Erjon Vucajn" [Tirana officialized Erjon Vucaj] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  15. "Tirana vs. Flamurtari Vlorë 1 – 1". Soccerway. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  16. Sotir Kora (18 May 2016). "Kukësi fitore me Tiranën për Europa League" [Kukësi win with Tirana over Europa League] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  17. Sotir Kora (10 January 2017). "Zyrtare, Laçi firmos me Erjon Vucaj" [Official, Laçi signs with Erjon Vucaj] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  18. "Korabi Peshkopi vs. Laçi 0 – 1". Soccerway. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  19. Adi Metaliu (15 May 2017). "Shpërthen Laci, fiton 3-0 me një Vllazni të zbehtë" [Laçi explodes, win 3-0 with a pale Vllaznia] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  20. Adi Metaliu (27 May 2017). "Laci mposht Teutën, siguron mbijetesën" [Laçi defeats Teuta, assures the survival] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  21. "Vucaj largohet nga Laçi, zbulohet destinacioni i ri" [Vucaj leaves Laçi, the new destination is unveiled] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  22. "Ejon Vucaj, zyrtarisht te Vllaznia" [Ejon Vucaj, officially at Vllaznia] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. 27 August 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  23. "Vllaznia e nis me fitore, mposht Lushnjen në Fier" [Vllaznia starts with a win, defeats Lushnja in Fier] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  24. "Vllaznia Shkodër vs. Kastrioti Krujë 4 – 0". Soccerway. 27 September 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  25. "Goleada më e hidhur në histori, Vllaznia bie nga kategoria!" [The most bitter goal fest in history, Vllaznia relegated] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  26. "Zyrtarizohet huazimi, Vucaj te Luftëtari për Europa League" [The loan is formalized, Vucaj at Luftëtari for the Europa League] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 8 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  27. "Një 19-vjeçar turpëron Luftëtarin në Europë, humb 5-0 në Letoni" [A 19-years old humiliates Luftëtari in Europe, loses 5-0 in Latvia] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  28. "VIDEO/ 6 gola për një barazim, Luftëtari skualifikohet nga Europa mes turpit" [VIDEO/ 6 goals for a draw. Luftëtari disqualified from Europe with shame] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  29. "Vucajt i përfundon huazimi, Luftëtari sytë nga Vllaznia" [Vucaj's loan ends, Luftëtari eyes on Vllaznia] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  30. "Zyrtare: Drita nënshkruan me mesfushorin e Vllaznisë së Shkodrës" [Official: Drita signs with the midfielder of Vllaznia Shkodër]. Fansat e Futbollit Kosovar. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  31. "De Biasi fton tre debutues me Moldavinë" [De Biasi invites three debutants with Moldova] (in Albanian). Mesazhi. 11 August 2012. Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  32. "Shqipëria nis grumbullimin me 5 kosovarë" [Albania starts gathering with 5 Kosovans] (in Albanian). Ora Info. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  33. "Pa fitues dhe pa gola, Shqipëria barazon me Moldavinë" [Without winner and without goals, Albania equates Moldova] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  34. Erjon Vucaj at Soccerway. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  35. "Erjon Vucaj". Football Database. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
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