Elseid Hysaj will have the entire nation of Albania watching to see him put in a defensive effort that will help his team at their first major tournament.
Having secured a move to Napoli at the start of the 2015-16 season, the 22-year-old will be hoping to put his name in further spotlights against some of the continent’s best players/
Role in the team
Romanian coach Gianni De Biasi showed great confidence in the defender when he called him up to the first team setup against Georgia in 2013. He was 18 at the time. He is an attacking-minded fullback whose natural position is on the right, but he is also comfortable playing on the opposite flank. Hysaj has the skills that one needs to be successful in the position, tracking back when required and good vision in order to pick out long passes
He has experience at major tournaments, having taken part in the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 championship when he was a part of a 2-0 loss to Spain and a 3-1 win over Austria. The experience that he gained in those games will be invaluable going into Euro 2016.
He became Albanian’s second most expensive transfer when he moved to Napoli from Empoli for €6 million, so there is a lot resting on the performance of the 22-year-old fullback.
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In Serie A this season Hysaj enjoyed a relatively successful run, picking up two assists and having a pass percentage of 85% accuracy, also being fairly disciplined by only picking up five yellow cards from 37 appearances. In February his was included in the best XI of Serie A youth players, alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Mauro Icardi.
The success of Albania could potentially rest on the shoulders of Hysaj. He is probably one of the better known players who are playing for the Eagles at Euro 2016, so all eyes will be one him.
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