Kosovo, finally, has ample options for all positions

Edon Zhegrova had some great games in the fall, but has not played since mid-December. Consequently, he was a significant absence for Kosovo in the two matches against Iceland.

Even without the best player of the 2024/2025 edition, Kosovo achieved historic success, perhaps the greatest so far. They defeated Iceland in two matches and advanced to League B of the Nations League. Until now they were in League C.

Besides Zhegrova, coach Franco Foda could not count on several other important players. Some were absent in both matches and some only in the second match, held on Sunday in Murcia. 

And the convincing performance and victory, 3:1, in Spain, proves that Kosovo now has ample options in all positions. In the past, this was not the case. The absence of an important player was difficult to cover.

Coach Foda could not count on the suspended Muharrem Jashari either. Jashari performed strongly in the previous matches and would be a serious candidate to play against the Icelanders. Fisnik Asllani and Florent Hadërgjonaj were on the list, but were injured in the last matches with their teams before the Kosovo team. Hadërgjonaj is constantly a candidate for full-back, while Asllani, with the form he has had, would be an option for attack. Of course, after the irreplaceable Vedat Muriqi. The 22-year-old Asllani has 12 goals and six assists in 25 appearances in the German Bundesliga 2 for the Elversberg team. The young Eliot Bujupi, who is still gaining confidence in the national team, has also been absent.

In the 2:1 victory in Pristina, Kosovo played with Aro Muriqi in goal, Amir Rrahmani, Lumbardh Dellova, Mërgim Vojvoda and Leart Paqarada in defense, Elvis Rexhbeçaj and Valon Berisha in the center of midfield, Ermal Krasniqi, Milot Rashica and Donat Rrudhani as more advanced players and with Vedat Muriqi at the head of the attack.

Rrudhani was replaced with Emir Sahiti, Berisha with Vesel Demaku, and meanwhile Vojvoda with Fidan Aliti, Muriqi with Albion Rrahmani and Rashica with Lindon Emërllahu.

Berisha was suspended for the second match, while goalkeeper Muriq and Rrudhani were absent due to injuries.

Amir Shaipi was placed in goal, and made a nice save in the second half. The defense remained unchanged, while Demaku took Berisha's place in midfield. Florent Muslija took Rrudhani's place as winger.

In the second half, Emërllahu, Sahiti, Ilir Krasniqi, Rrahmani and debutant Dion Gallapeni won the opportunity.

Not everyone had the best game. Not everyone convinced. But the important shortcomings were not noticed. And the performance in the second game was better than in the first.

Rrahmani and Dellova are already irreplaceable in defense, but there are other options for the center of defense. The midfield functions around Rexhbeçaj and the attack is unthinkable without Muriqi. For the other positions, there are options with similar quality, which was not the case before, although not all of them are at their best at their clubs.

"It is clear that the team has developed very well over the last weeks and months. We now have a good group of 20-25 players. We had many absences, but now every player can be replaced and this characterizes our team. Now we just have to move forward and take this team spirit into June," said coach Foda.

Coach Franco Foda also has the June training camp to do various tests. At least one friendly match will be played in June. From September, when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin, only the best will play. Kosovo fans hope that the German coach will have trouble choosing the best team from the many players who play and excel in their clubs, and not be forced to activate players who are not in shape and who do not have stability in their clubs. The March training camp gives reason for optimism.