Alban Meha

Alban Meha
Meha with SC Paderborn 07 in June 2013
Personal information
Full name Alban Sylë Meha
Date of birth (1986-04-26) 26 April 1986
Place of birth Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 SV Elversberg
Number 32
Youth career
0000 TV Kemnat 1890
0000–1995 SV 1845 Esslingen
1995–2005 Stuttgarter Kickers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005 Stuttgarter Kickers II
2006–2007 VfL Kirchheim/Teck 54 (16)
2007–2010 SSV Reutlingen 05 79 (16)
2010–2011 SV Eintracht Trier 05 33 (15)
2011–2015 SC Paderborn 07 102 (26)
2015–2017 Konyaspor 39 (4)
2017–2018 Al-Faisaly 1 (0)
2018– SV Elversberg 0 (0)
National team‡
2012–2016 Albania 7 (2)
2016 Kosovo 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 24 January 2018
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 9 October 2016

Alban Sylë Meha (born 26 April 1986) is an Kosovo Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for German club SV Elversberg.

Early life

Meha was born in Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia from Kosovo Albanian parents from Prekaz is the grandchild of Tahir Meha, an Albanian rights activist, who resisted heroically together with his father against a large Yugoslav People's Army and police force until they were killed in 1981[1][2] and is the little brother of Feriz Meha, semi-professional footballer who plays as a forward for German club SV Bonlanden.[3]

Club career

Youth career

In his youth. Meha joined the local side TV Kemnat 1890 and SV 1845 Esslingen. By the time Meha was nine years old, he joined Stuttgarter Kickers and remained in the junior side for ten years. When Meha was nineteen, he officially signed for the senior team.

Stuttgarter Kickers

In July 2005. Meha joined Stuttgarter Kickers' senior teams. However, he remained on the reserve squad and never made an appearance on the first team.

VfL Kirchheim

In December 2005. Meha moved to VfL Kirchheim and played one and a half seasons at Kirchheim, making a total of 54 appearances and scoring 16 goals.

SSV Reutlingen

Meha played three seasons at Reutlingen, making a total of 82 appearances and scoring 16 goals. He then moved to Eintracht Trier.

Eintracht Trier

Meha played one season for Eintracht Trier, making a total of 33 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists. He helped the club win the Rhineland Cup and helped the club come second in the Fußball-Regionalliga West.[4] He then moved to SC Paderborn.

SC Paderborn

In 2011. Meha joined 2. Bundesliga side Paderborn and made an immediate impact on the team.

2011–12 season

He made 33 appearances for the club and scored five goals. Four of Meha's goals were scored from direct free kicks and one from long distance. He also made an impressive ten assists on his first season with the club. Paderborn reached fifth place, nine points shy from first.

2012–13 season

On 13 August 2012, Paderborn coach Stephan Schmidt declared that Meha is "an extremely important player for Paderborn".[5] Meha had begun his second season well, scoring a goal from a penalty on his first match of the season against Hertha BSC and scoring a goal from a direct free kick against VfL Bochum on his second game of the season. After a pause of the 2012–13 season, he returned scoring in the start of the season second half, where on 10 February 2013, Meha scored in the 87th minute from a difficult angle to the top right hand corner of the goal to sign the 1–3 away victory against FC Ingolstadt.[6] A week later, on 15 February 2013 Meha scored by penalty spot the last goal of the 2–0 victory in the 40th minute against Erzgebirge Aue, and also he participated in the opening goal, as he kicked a set piece Free-kick which was evitated by the Goalkeeper and then the ball was sent into the goal by Tobias Feisthammel in the 20th minute.[7][8] Last goal of the 2012-13 season was scored on 3 May 2013 against Dynamo Dresden in the 2–1 away loss.[9]

He finished season 2012–13 with a total of 26 appearances and six goals. Three goals were scored from penalties, two from free kicks and one goal against FC Ingolstadt. Meha also made five assists in his second season with Paderborn. His team Paderborn finished in the 12th place of the rank table.[10]

2013–14 season

On 18 October 2013, he scored first goal of the 2013–14 season. Meha scored in the 54th minute the last goal of the 4–2 victory against FSV Frankfurt.[11] On 8 December 2013 he scored two goals in the away victory 2–4 against Aalen, were Meha scored 1st in the 12th minute and last in the 72nd minute.[12] He debuted in 2014 with a goal on 9 February 2014. He scored a free-kick goal in the 47th minute and gave victory to Paderborn in an away match against Köln (0–1).[13] In next fixture match on 16 February 2014 against Arminia Bielefeld, he scored again a goal in the victory 4–0.[14] He scored again for the 3rd consecutive game on 22 February 2014 against 1860 München, finished in a draw 2–2, were Meha scored second goal for 0–2 in the 18th minute.[15] On 28 February, he scored two more goals in next match against VfL Bochum to help his team win the match 4–1.[16] On 17 March 2014 Meha honoured as "player of the month for February" for scoring 5 goals in 4 matches.[17] Meha scored on 25 March 2014 against St. Pauli in the home victory 3–0.[18] He continued his scoring form as on 4 April 2014 he scored an amazing free kick in a 1–2 loss against Fortuna Düsseldorf.[19] Meha captained Paderborn team for the first time on 27 April 2014 in the match against Sandhausen finished in the victory 2–0 where he played full 90-minutes.[20] On 4 May 2014 Meha returned scoring goals, as he scored in the away victory 0–2 over Erzgebirge Aue, were Meha scored the opening goal in the 35th minute.[21] On the last day of the second division campaign, Paderborn came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over VfR Aalen, to secure automatic promotion to the Bundesliga,[22] where they made history as they sealed their first ever promotion to the Bundesliga.[23] Meha personally finished the 2013–14 season with a total of 26 appearances including 1 made in the German Cup, scoring in total 12 goals during campaign where he ranked as 6th place, equal with Charlison Benschop, Patrick Helmes and Torsten Mattuschka in the 2. Bundesliga all goalscorers.[24] The peak of his success was when he was voted as the best player of the season for his team Paderborn, giving a special contribution in the team success of the promotion for the first time in their history.[25]

On 1 August 2014 Meha suffered an injury during a friendly match against Maccabi Haifa and was forced undergo surgery, which according to doctors, would keep him from playing for 8 weeks until his recovery.[26]

2014–15 season

Due to the injury of the previous season he missed out the start of the 2014–15 season for 5 weeks.

On 27 September 2014, Alban Meha debuted in the Bundesliga by playing in the 6th game week against Borussia Mönchengladbach, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute in place of Lukas Rupp in a 1–2 loss.[27] On 2 November 2014 Meha scored his first goal for Paderborn in a 3–1 win at home to Hertha Berlin. He scored from a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.[28] On 14 December 2014 Meha scored from the penalty spot to give his team the 1–1 draw against the 2nd ranking place Wolfsburg at their home.[29] Meha scored a goal from freekick against Hannover 96 on 15 February 2015 to give his team the away 1–2 victory coming from behind of 1–0, as Hannover 96 had scored in the 66th minute with Marcelo Antônio Guedes Filho, then Srdjan Lakic of Paderborn scored the equalising 1–1 goal in the 72nd minute, before Meha scored in the 79th minute to secure the win. It was his first goal of 2015 and he played a full 90-minute match.[30]

Konyaspor

Following the relegation of Paderborn to the 2. Bundesliga, on 9 June 2015, Meha moved to Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor on a free transfer.[31] After having spent his entire previous career in Germany, the move to Turkey is his first abroad. He signed a one-year contract with Konyaspor, including a one-year extension option. According to media reports he earns up to €1 million per season.[32]

Meha made it his Süper Lig debut on 16 August 2015 in the 2015–16 Süper Lig opening match against Akhisar Belediyespor playing the full 90-minutes match.[33] He scored his first goal in the 3rd match on 29 August 2015 against the defending champions Galatasaray by a free-kick for the temporary 1–1 equaliser, but it turned out to be not enough as Galatasaray scored three more goals to take the 1–4 victory themselves.[34] In the next match on 13 September 2015 Meha scored against Osmanlıspor in the 61st minute of the match to overturn the score 1–2 and to sign an away victory.[35][36]

Al-Faisaly

On 24 December 2017, Meha joined Jordan Premier League side Al-Faisaly.[37][38] On 15 January 2018, the club confirmed is Meha had joined with team.[39] On 24 January 2018, he made his debut in a 0–2 away win against Al-Yarmouk after being named in the starting line-up.

International career

Albania

In summer 2012, Meha expressed his desire to play for Albania and that he had been in contact with national coach Gianni de Biasi.[40] On 26 August 2012, it was reported that Meha had received an invitation to play for Albania in the September match against Cyprus, valid for the qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2014.[41] On 4 September 2012 he received the Albanian citizenship among fellow new upcoming at national team Burim Kukeli, to be able to play international game for Albania.[42] On 7 September 2012, Meha made it his first international debut for Albania and led the Albanian midfield in the 3–1 victory against Cyprus, where he assisted the opening goal scored by Armando Sadiku.[43] Because of his play-making abilities and strong set piece capabilities, he is viewed by Albanian fans as the replacement for the retired Ervin Skela.[44] On 7 October 2012 Meha assisted a goal scored by Edgar Çani in the 1–2 loss against Iceland, valid for the qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2014.[45] On 26 March 2013, Meha scored first goal for Albania against Lithuania in the victory 4-1.[46] The second international goal came a year later, on 5 March 2014 where he scored an amazing volley from 40 metres in a 2–0 win over Malta.[47]

Kosovo

On 30 August 2016. Meha received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Finland[48] and made his debut after coming on as a substitute at 89th minute in place of Valon Berisha.

International goals

Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first.
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.26 March 2013Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania Lithuania1–04–1Friendly
2.5 March 2014Niko Dovana Stadium, Durrës, Albania Malta2–02–0

Career statistics

Club

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
As of 13 September 2015[10][49]
Season Club League country League League Cup Europe Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
2007–08ReutlingenRegionalliga Süd 281----281
2008–09 293----293
2009–10 2712----2712
Total 841600008716
2010–11Eintracht TrierRegionalliga West331510--3415
Total 331510003415
2011–12Paderborn2. Bundesliga 33521--356
2012–13 26611--277
2013–14 241210--2512
2014–15Bundesliga 18300--183
Total 10226420010628
2015–16KonyasporSüper Lig 4200--42
Total 42000042
Career total 22059520022461

International

As of 9 October 2016[50]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Albania
201230
201321
201411
201510
Total72
Kosovo
201620
Total20

References

  1. ↑ Kostovicova, Denisa (2005). Kosovo: The Politics of Identity and Space. 2 park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN: Antony Rowe Ltd. p. 155. ISBN 0-415-34806-4. Retrieved 2014-10-13.
  2. ↑ "Nipi i dëshmorit Tahir Meha, Albani, luan kundër Serbisë, në Beograd". Illyria Press (in Albanian). 9 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "Feriz Meha". Soccerway.
  4. ↑ "SC Paderborn: Meha will mehr – Ex-Trierer klopft ans Tor zur Bundesliga" [SC Paderborn: Meha wants more – Former Trier Knocks at the Bundesliga's Door] (in German). 5vier.de. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011.
  5. ↑ "Trajneri Schmidt: Albani është shumë i rëndësishëm për Paderbornin" (in Albanian). portishqiptar.com.al. 13 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  6. ↑ Meha shkëlqen edhe në kampionat, shënon në fitoren e Paderbornit Sporti Shqiptar
  7. ↑ Paderborn vs. Erzgebirge Aue - 15 February 2013 - Soccerway
  8. ↑ Alban Meha shënon sërish, konfirmohet si “arma” e kuqezinjve Sporti Shqiptar
  9. ↑ Dynamo Dresden vs. Paderborn - 3 May 2013 - Soccerway
  10. 1 2 Alban Meha at Soccerway
  11. ↑ Paderborn vs. FSV Frankfurt - 18 October 2013 - Soccerway
  12. ↑ Aalen vs. Paderborn - 8 December 2013 - Soccerway
  13. ↑ Köln vs. Paderborn - 9 February 2014 - Soccerway
  14. ↑ Paderborn vs. Arminia Bielefeld - 16 February 2014 - Soccerway
  15. ↑ 1860 München vs. Paderborn - 22 February 2014 - Soccerway
  16. ↑ "Paderborn vs. Bochum - 28 February 2014 - Soccerway". Soccerway. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  17. ↑ Spieler des Monats Februar: Alban Meha liga2-online.de | 2. Bundesliga
  18. ↑ Paderborn vs. St. Pauli - 25 March 2014 - Soccerway
  19. ↑ Paderborn vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf - 4 April 2014 - Soccerway
  20. ↑ Paderborn vs. Sandhausen - 27 April 2014 - Soccerway
  21. ↑ Erzgebirge Aue vs. Paderborn - 4 May 2014 - Soccerway
  22. ↑ "Paderborn win promotion to Bundesliga, Greuther Fürth to face Hamburg". dw.de. deutsche welle. 2014-05-11. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  23. ↑ "Paderborn clinch historic promotion". bundesliga.com. bundesliga. 2014-05-11. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  24. ↑ Players - 2. Bundesliga - Germany - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway
  25. ↑ Alban Meha, lojtari i sezonit te Paderborn Archived 14 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Sporti Shqiptar
  26. ↑ Meha 8 jave larg fushave, humbet Portugaline Archived 11 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. SuperSport
  27. ↑ Paderborn vs. Borussia M'gladbach - 27 September 2014 - Soccerway
  28. ↑ "Paderborn victorious at home to Hertha". bundesliga.com. bundesliga. 2014-02-11. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
  29. ↑ Drejtpërdrejt/ Meha i 'akullt' shënon për Paderborn (video) aSport.al
  30. ↑ Hannover 96 vs. Paderborn - 15 February 2015 - Soccerway
  31. ↑ Edhe Meha në Turqi Sportal.al
  32. ↑ Alban Meha do përfitojë 1 mln euro në sezon te Koniaspori Superliga Shqiptare
  33. ↑ Konyaspor vs. Akhisar Belediyespor - 16 August 2015 - Soccerway
  34. ↑ Konyaspor vs. Galatasaray - 29 August 2015 - Soccerway
  35. ↑ Goli i Mehës i jep fitoren me përmbyje Konyaspor (Video) minuta90.com
  36. ↑ Goal: Osmanlispor FK 1 – 2 Konyaspor (video) | News butiwom.com
  37. ↑ "Alban Meha, new player of Al Faisaly Amman". Football Transfer Market. 24 December 2017.
  38. ↑ "Zyrtare: Meha i bashkohet kampionatit jordanez" (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 28 December 2017.
  39. ↑ "الألباني ميها يوقع للفيصلي" (in Arabic). Al-Faisaly SC (Amman). 15 January 2018.
  40. ↑ "Gjermani/Alban Meha shenon serish, por De Biazi s'ka ftese per te" (in Albanian). Albaniasoccer. 11 August 2012.
  41. ↑ "Zyrtare: Alban Meha merr ftesë nga Kombëtarja, debuton në shtator" (in Albanian). Sporti Shqiptar. 26 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  42. ↑ Zyrtare: Alban Meha e Burim Kukeli marrin pasaportat shqiptare (Foto) Archived 9 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine. aSport.al
  43. ↑ "Erjon Bogdani: Dua një tjetër gol të madh, ndaj Zvicrës". Panorama Sport. 7 September 2012. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  44. ↑ De Biazi: Paradoks, tashmë nuk mjafton as vendi i tretë… Archived 14 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Panorama Sport
  45. ↑ 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Preliminaries: Europe - Matches: Albania 1:2 (1:1) Iceland FIFA.com
  46. ↑ Albania vs. Lithuania (friendly) National-Football-Teams.com
  47. ↑ Albania vs. Malta - 5 March 2014 - Soccerway
  48. ↑ "Bunjaki publikoi listën e lojtarëve për ndeshjen me Finlandën" (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 30 August 2016.
  49. ↑ "Alban Meha". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman.
  50. ↑ "Alban Meha". EU-football.info.
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