Endrit Vrapi Explained

Endri Vrapi
Fullname:Endri Vrapi
Birth Date:23 May 1982
Birth Place:Tiranë, Albania
Position:Defender
Youthclubs1:Shkëndija Tiranë
Youthyears2:1998–2002
Youthclubs2:Partizani Tirana
Years1:2002
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2003–2005
Clubs2:Lushnja
Caps2:76
Goals2:4
Years3:2005–2006
Clubs3:Elbasani
Caps3:34
Goals3:2
Years4:2006–2007
Caps4:29
Goals4:2
Years5:2007–2008
Clubs5:Tirana
Caps5:27
Goals5:0
Years6:2008–2009
Clubs6:Elbasani
Caps6:31
Goals6:2
Years7:2009
Caps7:0
Goals7:0
Years8:2009–2010
Clubs8:Besa Kavajë
Caps8:28
Goals8:0
Years9:2010–2013
Caps9:68
Goals9:0
Years10:2013–2014
Clubs10:Tirana
Caps10:23
Goals10:1
Years11:2014–2016
Caps11:32
Goals11:0
Years12:2016–2017
Caps12:44
Goals12:2
Years13:2017–2018
Caps13:9
Goals13:0
Nationalyears1:2000–2001
Nationalteam1:Albania U18
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2008–2011
Nationalteam2:Albania
Nationalcaps2:10
Nationalgoals2:0
Manageryears1:2018–2019
Managerclubs1:Teuta Durrës(assistent)
Manageryears2:2024–
Managerclubs2:Tirana (assistent)
Pcupdate:12 November 2017

Endri Vrapi (born 23 May 1982, in Tiranë) is an Albanian retired footballer who last played as a defender for Kosovan club Liria.

Club career

Early career

Vrapi began his career while still a teenager, playing for Partizani Tirana. Regarded as one of the best young Albanian talents at the time, he was also captain of the Albania under-19 team. He worked his way up through the ranks at Partizani Tirana and joined the first team during the 2001–02 season, though he did not feature in any league game that season. This prompted Vrapi to sign with Lushnja, a weaker team in the Albanian Superliga, to gain some experience.

At Lushnja he quickly established himself in the first team. He played seventy-six games and scored four goals for the club between 2002 and 2005. His impressive displays prompted one of the best teams in the country, Elbasani, to sign the left back in 2005. His most successful season came at Elbasani during his first spell there in the 2005–06 season. He played thirty-four games and scored two goals that season and was one reason Elbasani won the Albanian championship. After his triumph with Elbasani, in 2006 Vrapi moved to Teuta Durrës, where he almost repeated his success with Elbasani, when Teuta Durrës finished second behind KF Tirana in the Albanian Superliga. During the 2006–07 season he played twenty-nine games and scored two goals. After spending only one season in Durres, Vrapi changed teams again, moving back to KF Tirana. This turned out to be a mistake. KF Tirana struggled all season, finishing a disappointing sixth place in the Albanian Superliga, the team's lowest league position in years. During that poor season Vrapi played twenty-seven games without scoring a goal. The Albanian international defender decided to go back and play where he had spent the best years of his career, Elbasani. He was greeted by his former team with open arms as they had paid a fee believed to be in the region of $140,000 for re-signing the left back.

Dinamo Tirana

On 30 June 2009, Vrapi signed a temporary deal with Dinamo Tirana for the club European campaign. He played entire match on 2 July 2009 in the Europa League first qualifying round against Lahti as Dinamo was defeated 4–1.[1] He was replaced after 78 minutes in the returning leg as Dinamo managed to win 2–0 which was not enough as Lahti progressed 4–3 on aggregate.[2]

Skënderbeu Korçë

On 30 June 2010, Vrapi was transferred to Skënderbeu Korçë, and was given the number 4 shirt for the 2010–11 season.[3] He made his debut in team's opening match of 2010–11 season against his former team Besa Kavajë, but the match was suspended after 88th minute at 0–1 due to riots on the terraces. Skënderbeu was awarded by the FSHF 0–2.[4] One week later, Vrapi played for the first time at Skënderbeu Stadium in a 2–0 defeat of Teuta Durrës.[5]

Return to Tirana

On 29 August 2013, Vrapi left Skënderbeu after three seasons to return to Tirana by penning a one-year contract, taking squad number 44 for the upcoming season.[6] He debuted in team's opening match of the 2013–14 season against KF Laçi, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a goalless home draw.[7] Vrapi, however, was one of the best players on the field.[8]

In December, Tirana suffered a surprise elimination from Lushnja in the 2013–14 Albanian Cup second round, with Vrapi appearing in both legs unable to avoid the elimination.[9] [10] During the first part of the season, Tirana experienced its worst period of all time, winning 3 out of 16 league matches. Vrapi played in the back in 10 on these matches. Tirana also changed management three times, employing Nevil Dede, Alpin Gallo and later Gugash Magani.[11] In December, the team was ranked in the last position with only 10 points from 13 matches, 7 points away from the safe zone.

However, with Magani in charge, Tirana changed completely the face by winning three of four matches of February, including the derby against Partizani Tirana thanks to the winner of Gilberto.[12] Vrapi's first score-sheet contribution came later on 26 April by scoring in the 2–1 home win over fellow relegation strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër.[13]

Tirana mathematically assured survival on 3 May 2014 in the penultimate week of the league after a 2–2 away draw against Flamurtari Vlorë, in a match where Vrapi played 90 minutes.[14] [15] His finished his season by making 26 marches, including 23 in league, netting once. He left the club as a free agent in mid-August after failing to find a way with club directors for the new contract.[16]

Partizani Tirana

Vrapi completed a transfer to his first professional team Partizani Tirana on 1 September 2014 as a free agent, penning a one-year contract with an option of a further one. His presentation was made the same day, where he was given squad number 44 for 2014–15 season.[17] His competitive debut occurred on 10 September in the matchday 3 against Skënderbeu Korçë, playing full-90 minutes in a 1–0.[18]

During the first part of the season, Vrapi, alongside his defence partners Rrahmani, Fejzullahu and Cululi helped Hoxha to go 1,084 minutes without conceding a goal in Albanian Superliga to break the 30-year-old record set by the goalkeeper of KS Labinoti Elbasan (modern day called KF Elbasani), Bujar Gogunja, who kept intact net goal for 1037 minutes.[19]

He concluded 2014–15 with 26 appearances, all in league, as Partizani finished 3rd in championship, returning in European competitions after seven years.[20] [21] During the season, Vrapi played mainly as left-back, but in several times he was used also as a centre-back.

Vrapi started the 2015–16 by playing full-90 minutes in the 1–3 away defeat at Strømsgodset in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.[22] He also played full match in the returning leg by Partizani lost 0–1 at the last moments and was eventually eliminated 1–4 on aggregate.[23]

On 13 January 2016, Partizani confirmed via their Facebook page that they have terminated the contract with Vrapi by mutual consensus.[24]

Vllaznia Shkodër

Three days after becoming free agent, Vrapi agreed terms and joined Albanian Superliga strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër until the end of the season.[25]

International career

Vrapi has been an Albanian international for four years, collecting 10 appearances.[26] He debuted with Albania on 1 March 2006, playing the last 11 minutes of the 2–1 home defeat against Lithuania.[27]

Career statistics

Clubs

[28] [29] [30]

ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinental[31] Other[32] Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
2002–03000000
2002–0329000290
2003–0416000160
2004–0531400314
Total76 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 76 4
2005–063420010352
2006–072020
2006–0729200292
2007–082020
Total29 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 31 2
2007–0827000270
2008–0931200312
Total65 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 68 4
2009–102020
2009–102800020300
2010–1129020310
2011–12180902010300
2012–13210500010270
2013–14101020
Total68 0 16 0 3 0 3 0 90 0
2013–1423130261
Total50 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 53 1
2014–1526000260
2015–16602020100
Total32 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 36 0
2015–16000000
Total0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00
Career total350 11 21 0 14 0 3 0 388 11

International

Albania national team
YearAppsGoals
200620
200700
200830
200920
201020
201110
Total110

Honours

Club

Elbasani[28]
Besa[28]
Skënderbeu[28]

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Lahti vs. Dinamo Tirana 4 – 1. Soccerway. 2 July 2009. 11 July 2015.
  2. http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=2000033/match=2000515/index.html KS Dinamo Tirana 2 – 0 FC Lahti
  3. News: Vrapi: Në Korçë, për të fituar titullin kampion . Vrapi: In Korçë, to win the championship title . Leonard Trebicka . sq . Sporti Shqiptar . 10 July 2010. 3 July 2010.
  4. News: Besa Kavajë vs. Skënderbeu Korçë 0 – 2. Soccerway. 23 August 2010. 11 July 2015.
  5. News: Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Teuta Durrës 2 – 0. Soccerway. 29 August 2010. 11 July 2015.
  6. News: Firmosin Vrapi e Vashaku, vijnë edhe dy nigerianë. Dede dhe Tirana gjejnë qetësinë. Vrapi and Vashaku sign, two Nigerians arrive as well. Dede and Tirana find peace. Panorama Sport. sq. Adela Merko. 1 September 2013. 10 July 2015.
  7. News: Tirana vs. Laçi 0 – 0. Soccerway. 1 September 2013. 1 September 2013.
  8. News: Barazim ndaj Laçit, Tirana s'bind në start. Dede ka rezerva: Prisja më shumë nga ekipi. A draw against Laçi, Tirana doesn't convince in start. Dede has reserves. I expected more from the team. Panorama Sport. sq. Adela Merko. 2 September 2013. 18 September 2016.
  9. News: Kupa e Shqipërisë / Tirana dhe Partizani jashtë. Albanian Cup / Tirana and Partizani out. Sport Ekspres. sq. 10 July 2015. 18 December 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20150713103027/http://sportekspres.com/kupa-e-shqiperise-tirana-dhe-partizani-jashte/. 13 July 2015. dead.
  10. News: Tirana dështon dhe në kupë, eliminohet nga Lushnja. Magani: Zhgënjyem, faji është i imi. Tirana fails even in cup, eliminated by Lushnja. Magani: Disappointed, it's my fault. Panorama Sport. sq. 19 December 2014. 10 July 2015.
  11. News: Gugash Magani emërohet trajner i Tiranës: Të vrasim frikën. Gugash Magani named the new coach of Tirana. Let's kill the fear. Balkanweb.com. sq. 1 December 2013. 9 March 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140224054426/http://www.balkanweb.com/sport/2692/gugash-magani-emerohet-trajner-i-tiranes-te-vrasim-friken-161457.html. 24 February 2014.
  12. News: Tirana fiton derbin, mjafton Gilberto. Tirana wins the derby, Gilberto is enough. Sport Ekspres. sq. 7 February 2014. 8 February 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140208011508/http://sportekspres.com/?p=29666. 8 February 2014.
  13. News: "Not" mbijetese, Tirana zhyt Vllazninë. Survival "swim", Tirana plunge Vllaznia. Panorama Sport. sq. Adela Merko. 26 April 2014. 26 April 2014.
  14. News: Tirona siguron mbijetesën. https://archive.today/20140504182550/http://www.supersport.al/artikull.php?id=23040. dead. 4 May 2014. Tirona secures the survival. SuperSport Albania. sq. Sotir Kora. 4 May 2014. 4 May 2014.
  15. News: Barazim në Vlorë, mbijeton Tirana. Magani: Tani që ia dolëm, jam i gatshëm që të rinovoj. A draw in Vlorë, Tirana survives. Magani: Now that we make it, i'm ready to renew. Panorama Sport. sq. Ermal Sika. 4 May 2014. 6 May 2014.
  16. News: Nuk gjeti akordin, Endri Vrapi largohet nga Tirana. Didn't find agreement, Endri Vrapi leaves Tirana. Panorama Sport. sq. 14 August 2014. 10 July 2015.
  17. News: Partizani merr edhe Vrapin, Duro …"shkarkon" Nexhipin. Partizani takes even Vrapi, Duro …"sackes" Nexhipi. Panorama Sport. sq. Ilir Cara. 3 September 2014. 14 January 2016.
  18. News: Partizani i falet penalltisë së Vilës në fund, merr edhe fitoren e parë në kampionat. Partizani win thanks to Vila's penalty at the end, takes the first win in championship. Panorama Sport. sq. 12 September 2014. 20 September 2014.
  19. News: Hoxha thyen rekordin: Ia dedikoj gruas dhe djalit, emocion i papërshkrueshëm. Hoxha breaks the record: I dedicate to my wife and son, an indescribable emotion. Panorama Sport. sq. 14 December 2014. 14 December 2014.
  20. News: Të kuqtë, pas 7 vitesh në Europë!. The reds, on Europe after 7 years!. Sport.al. sq. 10 July 2015. 23 May 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150711081531/http://sportal.al/shqiperi/superiore/item/5011-te-kuqte-pas-7-vitesh-ne-europe.html. 11 July 2015.
  21. News: Partizani në Europë pas 7 vitesh. Partizani in Europe after 7 years. Gazeta Dita. sq. 10 July 2015. 24 May 2015. 12 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150712204011/http://www.gazetadita.al/partizani-ne-europe-pas-7-vitesh/. dead.
  22. News: Europa League: Partizani mposhtet në Norvegji. Europa League: Partizani defeated in Norway. Telegrafi.com. sq. 10 July 2015. 2 July 2015.
  23. News: Partizani nuk ia del, mundet sërish nga Stromsgodset dhe eleminohet. Partizani doesn't make it, gets beaten again by Strømsgodset and eliminated. Panorama Sport. sq. 10 July 2015. 9 July 2015.
  24. News: ZYRTARE: Klubi njofton se Endri Vrapi nuk është më pjesë e skuadrës së Partizanit në pjesën e mbetur të Kampionatit. FK Partizani Albania. sq. 13 January 2016. 14 January 2016.
  25. News: Vllaznia e bën "sefte", firmos Endri Vrapi. Vllaznia makes the first, Endri Vrapi signs. Panorama Sport. sq. Admir Uruçi. 17 January 2016. 16 January 2016.
  26. News: Football PLAYER: Endrit Vrapi. EU-Football.info. 9 July 2015.
  27. News: Football MATCH: 01.03.2006 Albania v Lithuania. 1 March 2006. EU-Football.info. 9 July 2015.
  28. News: Albania - E. Vrapi - Profile with news, career statistics and history. Soccerway. 31 December 2014.
  29. News: Football : Endrit Vrapi. Football DataBase. 31 December 2014.
  30. News: Profile of Endrit Vrapi at Scoresway.com. Scoresway.com. 31 December 2014.
  31. Including continental competitions, such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
  32. Including other competitions, such as Albanian Supercup