Wikipedia

Sabien Lilaj

Sabien Lilaj(born 10 February 1989) is an Albanian former professionalfootballerwho played as acentral midfielder.He is a versatile midfielder who mainly operates in a holding role, but he has also played in more advanced midfield roles.

Sabien Lilaj
Lila withKukësiin theUEFA Europa League
Personal information
Full name Sabien Lilaj
Date of birth (1989-02-10)10 February 1989(age 35)
Place of birth Maliq,Korçë County,Albania
Height 1.81 m (5 ft11+1⁄2in)
Position(s) Central midfielder
Youth career
1999–2008 Tirana
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2011 Tirana 67 (3)
2011–2012 Lokomotiva Zagreb 15 (0)
2012–2018 Skënderbeu Korçë 164 (20)
2018–2019 Gabala 23 (0)
2019–2020 Sektzia Ness Ziona 21 (1)
2020–2022 Prishtina 27 (3)
2022–2023 Dinamo Tirana 34 (2)
International career‡
2009-2010 Albania U20 2 (0)
2009–2010 Albania U21 7 (0)
2011–2018 Albania 16 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22 February 2020
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 3 June 2018

Club career

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Early career

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Lilaj was born inMaliq,Korçë County,but moved to the capitalTiranaalong with his family at the age of eight, where he began playing football at theLoro Boriçi sports mastery schoolat the age of ten, playing for the school's football teamShkëndija Tiranë.[1]

Tirana

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In the summer of 2008, he went on trial withKF Tirana,where he was spotted by the head coachBlaž Slišković,who was impressed with the 19-year-old and signed him ahead of the 2008–09 campaign.[2]He made his league debut in the opening game of the2008–09 Albanian SuperligaagainstVllaznia Shkodër,where he started the game in midfield in a goalless draw.[3]He scored his first professional goal in a 3–2 away win over local rivalsDinamo Tirana.In total he made 20 league appearances in his debut season, where he also won theAlbanian Superligafor the first time. He also made two appearances in the club'sAlbanian Cuprun, where they reached thefinalbut eventually lost 1–2 againstFlamurtari Vlorë.

The following season, Lilaj made his European debut in theSecond qualifying round of the 2009–10 UEFA Champions Leagueagainst Norwegian sideStabæk,a match which ended in a 1–1 draw.[4]He also started the return leg that ended in a 4–0 loss to his side which eliminated them from the competition.[5]He came on at half time forBlerti Hajdariin the2009 Albanian Supercupas they defeated 1–0Flamurtari Vlorë,which beat them in the previous cup final.[6]In the league, he made 23 appearances, most of which were off the bench as he struggled to establish himself in midfield in a season where his side failed to win the league where they finished third, or the cup where they reached the third round.

Lilaj began the 2010–11 season playing against Hungarian sideZalaegerszegi TEin theFirst qualifying round of the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League,where both legs finished in goalless draws,[7]meaning that extra time was needed after the second leg inZalaegerszeg,where Tirana won the tie through anErando Karabecifree-kick in the 107th minute.[8]His side were drawn against Dutch sideFC Utrecht,where they lost the first leg 4–0 away at theStadion Galgenwaard,[9]but they held Utrecht to a 1–1 in the return leg at the Qemal Stafa Stadium but were ultimately knocked out of the competition.[10]In the Albanian Superliga, his side struggled throughout the season and they finished in fifth place out of 12 teams, just two points above the relegation playoff places, but Lilaj still managed to show some good form as he made 24 appearances and scored one goal. His side did, however, have a successful2010–11 Albanian Cuprun as they defeated Dinamo Tirana on penalties in the final to win their first Albanian Cup since 2006.[11]Lilaj scored once in the run up to the final, as well as featuring in six games, including both legs of the quarter and semi-finals, respectively and the final, where he played the full 120 minutes as Tirana won on penalties to rescue their season.[12]He was then allowed to leave the club at the end of the season, as did many other first team players, includingAndi Lila,Jahmir Hyka,Tefik OsmaniandPero Pejić.

Lokomotiva

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In the summer transfer window of 2011, Lilaj joined CroatianPrva HNLsideNK Lokomotiva,where he struggled to compete with the likes ofMateo PoljakandMarcelo Brozovićfor a first team place.[13]He made just 15 league appearances as his side finished in a respectable seventh place out of 16 teams; his side also did not qualify for the2011–12 Croatian Football Cup,meaning he could not play any other games that season. Despite having a difficult personal season, his performances did attract the interest ofAlbania national teamhead coachJosip Kuže,who gave him his first senior international call up and cap. After one season in Croatia, he left Lokomotiva to return to Albania, where he was subject to interest from a host of Albanian Superliga sides in the summer of 2012.

Skënderbeu Korçë

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Lilaj in action during aEuropa Leaguematch againstLokomotiv Moscow.

On 7 August 2012, Lilaj completed a transfer to reigning Superliga championsSkënderbeu Korçë,returning to his birthplace.[14]He signed a three-year deal and took squad number 88.[14]There he found his old Tirana teammates, includingDitmar Bicaj,Ivan Gvozdenović,Pero Pejić,Sebino PlakuandDaniel Xhafa.[15]

He made his debut for the club in the2012 Albanian Supercupwhere he started the game but was substituted off in the second half in the 2–1 defeat to his former side Tirana.[16]He impressed in his first season at Skënderbeu Korçë, despite competition in the centre of midfield with captainBledi ShkëmbiandNurudeen Orelesi.On 3 October 2012, Lilaj scored his first goal in nearly 20 months againstOlimpikin a 7–2 Albanian Cup win which also saw him receive a red card in the 85th minute.[17]This goal was followed up by another one four days later in a Superliga match againstShkumbini Peqin.[18]Lilaj featured in 20 league games and scored four league goals to help his side retain the Superliga title for a third consecutive season.[19]In the Albanian Cup, he scored four goals in five appearances, including his side's only goal in the semi-finals againstBylis Ballsh,who knocked out Skënderbeu Korçë after a 2–1 aggregate win over two legs.[20]He scored 8 times in 30 games in all competitions in the 2012–13 season.

As Lilaj's side won the league the previous season, he began the 2013–14 campaign playing in thesecond qualifying roundof theChampions League,where he played against Azerbaijani sideNeftchi PFK,which Skënderbeu Korçë defeated 1–0 on aggregate after extra time, as both legs ended in goalless draws in regulation time.[21][22]In the next round they faced Kazakh sideShakhter Karagandy,which defeated Skënderbeu Korçë 3–0 in the first leg,[23]but Lilaj and his side showed resilience in the return leg as they went 3–0 up in the opening 29 minutes, only to concede twice either side of half time to win the game 3–2 as they ultimately lost the tie 5–3 on aggregate that saw them get knocked out of the Champions League.[24]They did, however, qualify for theplay-off roundof theEuropa League,where they were drawn against Ukrainian sideChornomorets Odesa,[25]with the first leg in Ukraine ending in 1–0 loss for Skënderbeu.[26]In the return leg in Albania, his side won the game 1–0 and took the tie to extra time, which did not produce any goals meaning the tie went to penalties for a spot in the group stage of the Europa League. Lilaj took his side's fifth penalty and successfully converted, but his teammatesNurudeen OrelesiandBakary Nimagamissed the next two penalties as his side lost 7–6.[27]

On 12 August 2014, Lilaj signed a two–year contract with PolishEkstraklasasideRuch Chorzów,where he even completed his medical and was presented to the media,[28][29]only for the move to be annulled. He therefore returned to Skënderbeu Korçë for another season as the Albanian side claimed to have automatically renewed his contract at the end of the 2013–14 season for another year.[30][31]

In June 2015, Lilaj agreed another contract extension, signing for the 2015–16 season.[32]Later on 5 November 2015, Lilaj scored twice in just under 20 minutes as Skënderbeu recorded a 3–0 victory overSporting CPin the2015–16 UEFA Europa Leaguegroup stage.[33][34]His first goal was scored after teammatesPeter OlayinkaandEsquerdinhamissed opportunities, but Lilaj netted in the rebound to put Skënderbeu ahead 1–0.[33][34]His second came from the penalty spot as teammateLiridon Latifiwas fouled by Sporting goalkeeperRui Patrício,who was then sent off. Lilaj scored the resulting penalty past substitute goalkeeperMarcelo Boeckto put Skënderbeu 2–0 up at theElbasan Arena.[33][34]Skënderbeu eventually ran out 3–0 winners and recorded their first ever win in a major tournament.[33][34]

On 28 December 2015, Lilaj was namedAlbanian Footballer of the Year.[35]At the end of 2015–16 season, Lilaj earned Fair Play Award by association "Sporti na bashkon".[36]Skënderbeu won the championship for a record 6th time, but was later revoked byAlbanian Football Association;the club was also banned byUEFAfrom participating in the 2016–17 European competitions by UEFA for match-fi xing.[37]

In the summer of 2017, Lilaj played a vital role in Skënderbeu's2017–18 UEFA Europa League qualifying roundscampaign, as the team achievedgroup stagefor the second time ever and also become the first Albanian club to pass four rounds.[38]His goal from a narrow position in the returning leg of second qualifying round againstKairaton 20 July was deciding as Skënderbeu won 2–0 and progressed 3–1 on aggregate.[39]

Lilaj enjoyed a prolific form at the start of championship, scoring from penalty spot againstFlamurtari Vlorëin opening week,[40]Partizani Tiranain week 3,[41]Kukësiin week 4,[42]Teuta Durrësin week 7 andLuftëtari Gjirokastërin week 8,[43][44]which lifted his tally to 5 league goals, a new personal best. He was namedAlbanian Superliga Player of the Monthfor September which made him only the fifth player to win it twice.[45]Skënderbeu finished first phase with 25 points from 9 matches, a record in Albanian football.[46]His performances throughout the year were rewarded as he was named Albanian Footballer of the Year for a second time on 22 December, becoming only the second player to win it twice.[47]He finished the championship by scoring 7 goals in 27 appearances as Skënderbeu won their 8th Albanian Superliga title in history.[48]On 27 May 2018, Lilaj played in the2018 Albanian Cup FinalagainstLaçiand scored the only goal of the match with a penalty kick to give the club their first ever Albanian Cup trophy.[49]By doing so, Skënderbeu completed thedomestic doublefor the first time ever.[49]

After Skënderbeu was excluded from European competitions byUEFAfor the next 10 years,[50]Lilaj, whose contract ran out, decided not to renew and announced his departure after six years, in which he made more than 200 appearances and won 8 trophies.[51]

Gabala

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On 16 June 2018, Lilaj become aGabalaplayed by penning a one-year contract with an option of a further one, worth €500,000 per year.[52][53] On 4 June 2019, Gabala confirmed that they had released Lilaj at the end of his contract.[54]

International career

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Youth

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Lilaj playing with Albania U21

In June 2009, Lilaj was called up by manager ofAlbania under-20 sideArtan Bushatito be part of the team at2009 Mediterranean Games.[55]He was ever-present in both matches ofGroup D;the first, a 1–2 loss toTunisia,[56]and the second, a 0–3 loss toSpainwhich brought the elimination from the tournament.[57]

Lilaj was first selected for theAlbania under-21 squadby coachArtan Bushatifor afriendly matchagainstMacedonia.He was picked in the 23-man squad that travelled toMacedoniafor the friendly along with two otherKF Tiranateammates,Enri TafajandMigen Metani.[58]However, he was not able to play the friendly inOhridon 19 November 2008 due to an injury incurring just days before the fixture. This meant that fellow Tirana teammate Metani took his place in the squad.[59]He was again picked by Bushati in February 2009, this time preparation for the2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification.He was picked in the squad once again with fellow club teammate Metani.[60]

Lilaj participated with Albania U21 in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification where he was a regular starter under coach Artan Bushati playing overall 7 matches as a starter completing 5 full 90-minutes. The only game which he missed out was due to yellow card suspension.[61][62]

Senior

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Lilaj was first approached toAlbania senior teamby managerJosip Kužefor the lastUEFA Euro 2012 qualifyingmatches againstFranceandRomaniarespectively on 7 and 11 October 2011.[63]He made his senior international debut against France on 7 October 2011, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute forGilman Likain a 3–0 loss.[64]He played also four days later against Romania the full 90-minutes match which finished in a 1–1 draw.[65]

Lilaj then was called up by interim-managerDžemal Mustedanagićfor the post-Euro 2012 qualifying friendlies againstAzerbaijanandMacedoniaon 11 and 15 November 2011.[66]He played in the last 6 minutes against Macedonia on 15 November replacingJahmir Hykain a goalless draw.[67]Lilaj was called up by new arrived coachGianni De Biasifor friendlies againstQatarandIranin May 2012.[68]Under coach De Biasi, he played as a starter for over 60 minutes in both matches forming thedefensive midfielderpartnership withErvin Bulkuas Albania managed to win both matches, where they beat Qatar 2–1 inMadridon 22 May and Iran 1–0 on 27 May inIstanbul.[69]

Lilaj was called up regularly for the2014 FIFA World Cup qualificationbut didn't make any appearances, standing on the bench for 8 matches.[70]He was used mostly on friendlies, earning two other caps, first againstCameroonon 14 November where he played the whole first half and later 81 minutes in the second friendly againstLithuaniaon 26 March 2013 to help his side to take a 4–1 win atQemal Stafa StadiuminTirana.[71]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 8 September 2020[72][73][74]
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Tirana 2008–09 Albanian Superliga 20 1 2 0 — — 22 1
2009–10 23 0 0 0 2[a] 0 1[b] 0 26 0
2010–11 24 1 6 1 4[c] 0 — 34 2
Total 67 2 8 1 6 0 1 0 82 3
Lokomotiva Zagreb 2011–12 Prva HNL 15 0 — — — 15 0
Skënderbeu Korçë 2012–13 Albanian Superliga 20 4 5 4 — 1[b] 0 26 8
2013–14 29 2 7 0 6[d] 0 1[b] 0 43 2
2014–15 33 4 6 1 2[a] 0 0 0 41 5
2015–16 30 3 1 0 10[e] 2 1[b] 0 42 5
2016–17 25 0 2 0 — 1[b] 0 30 0
2017–18 27 7 4 2 13[c] 3 — 44 12
Total 164 20 25 7 31 5 4 0 224 32
Kukësi(loan) 2016–17 Albanian Superliga — — 2[c] 0 — 2 0
Gabala 2018–19 Azerbaijan Premier League 23 0 4 0 2[c] 0 — 29 0
Sektzia Ness Ziona 2019–20 Israeli Premier League 30 1 1 0 0[c] 0 4 1 35 2
FC Prishtina 2020–21 Football Superleague of Kosovo 0 0 0 0 0[c] 0 — 0 0
Career total 300 23 37 8 41 5 9 1 387 37
  1. ^abAll appearance(s) inUEFA Champions League
  2. ^abcdeAppearance inAlbanian Supercup
  3. ^abcdefAll appearance(s) inUEFA Europa League
  4. ^Four appearances inUEFA Champions League,two inUEFA Europa League
  5. ^Four appearances inUEFA Champions League,six appearances and two goals inUEFA Europa League

International

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As of 3 June 2018[69]
National team Year Apps Goals
Albania 2011 3 0
2012 3 0
2013 2 0
2014 2 0
2015 3 0
2017 1 0
2018 2 0
Total 16 0

Honours

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Club

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Tirana[72]

Skënderbeu Korçë[72]

Gabala

Individual

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References

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  1. ^Sabien Lilaj profileFSHF.org
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  69. ^ab"Sabien Lilaj - national football team player".EU-football.info.Retrieved21 December2017.
  70. ^"Albania squad".UEFA.Retrieved21 December2017.
  71. ^"Shqipëria fiton miqësoren me Lituaninë, 4-1"[Albania win the friendly with Lithuania 4-1] (in Albanian). Gazeta Panorama. 26 March 2013.Retrieved21 December2017.
  72. ^abcSabien Lilajat Soccerway. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  73. ^"Football: Sabien Lilaj".Football Database.Retrieved18 January2016.
  74. ^"Sabien Lilaj"(in Albanian).FSHF.Retrieved12 December2017.part 2
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