I remember first hearing about Albania's 2011 soccer roster while following international football during that exciting pre-Euro 2012 qualification period. The Albanian national team had been showing promising development, and I was genuinely curious about their player lineup that year. What struck me most was how this squad represented a transitional phase for Albanian football - blending experienced veterans with emerging talents who would later become crucial for the national team's future successes.

Looking back at that 2011 roster, the team featured some remarkable players who left their mark on Albanian football history. Captain Lorik Cana, then playing for Paris Saint-Germain, anchored the defense with his characteristic intensity and leadership. I've always admired Cana's playing style - that perfect blend of technical skill and raw passion that makes football so compelling to watch. In midfield, the creative forces included Klodian Duro and Erjon Bogdani, while up front, we saw the emerging talent of Hamdi Salihi who would later make waves in Austrian football. The goalkeeper position saw the reliable presence of Samir Ujkani, who made some crucial saves throughout the qualifying matches.

The injury situation that year reminds me of what we recently saw with JONNA Perdido being ruled out of UAAP Season 87 for University of Sto. Tomas due to a complete ACL tear on her left knee. Similarly, Albania faced its share of injury challenges during the 2011 campaign. I recall reading about at least three key players dealing with various fitness issues that affected their availability for important matches. These injury setbacks really test a team's depth and character - it's never easy when you lose crucial players at critical moments in the qualification cycle.

Statistics from that year's matches paint an interesting picture of Albania's performance. The team participated in approximately 8 official matches during 2011, recording 3 victories, 2 draws, and 3 losses if my memory serves correctly. They scored around 9 goals while conceding 11, showing they could compete with stronger teams but still lacked the finishing touch in crucial moments. What impressed me was their defensive organization - they kept clean sheets in about 38% of their matches, which isn't bad for a team still developing its international pedigree.

The tactical approach employed by coach Josip Kuže emphasized defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks, which suited the players' characteristics perfectly. I've always believed this pragmatic approach was the right choice given the squad's composition and the challenging qualification group they faced. The team typically lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that allowed them to remain compact defensively while providing opportunities for quick transitions. This system particularly benefited players like Edmond Kapllani, who thrived in the lone striker role.

Reflecting on individual performances, several players stood out during that 2011 season. Erjon Bogdani's experience proved invaluable, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists across all competitions. Meanwhile, the younger players like Armando Vajushi began showing the potential that would make them future mainstays of the national team. The defensive partnership between Cana and Andi Lila was particularly effective, conceding only 1.2 goals per game on average despite facing some formidable attacking lineups.

What made following Albania's 2011 campaign so engaging was witnessing the team's growth throughout the year. They started somewhat uncertainly but gradually developed into a cohesive unit that could challenge more established football nations. The 2-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June stands out in my memory as a particularly impressive performance that showcased the team's potential. Moments like these demonstrated that Albanian football was moving in the right direction.

The legacy of that 2011 Albania soccer roster extends beyond just the match results and statistics. This group of players laid the foundation for Albania's historic qualification for Euro 2016, proving that with the right mix of talent, tactical discipline, and team spirit, even smaller football nations can achieve remarkable success. Looking back, I feel that 2011 represented a turning point where Albanian football truly began establishing its identity on the international stage. The lessons learned and experiences gained during that period continue influencing the national team's approach even today, making that particular roster worth remembering and analyzing for any serious football enthusiast.