There is no Kosovo footballer in better form than Florent Hadergjonaj, who is a very strong defender, but who this season has become a ‘bomber’ in Turkey, with his goals and assists.
Kosovar right-back Florent Hadergjonaj is having a fantastic season in the Turkish football elite with Alanyaspor, recording impressive statistics that rank him as the most productive defender in the league and among the most productive in all of European football.
The 31-year-old has played 23 games in the Turkish Super League, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. Meanwhile, in the Turkish Cup, he has added three goals and one assist, taking his total to eight goals and eight assists, an extraordinary achievement for a defender, with games still to play until the end of the season.
Hadergjonaj has had a sensational career, starting with Young Boys Bern, while also playing in the Bundesliga with Ingolstadt and in the Premier League with Huddersfield for two seasons before transferring to Kasimpasa and now Alanyaspor.
He has not only scored from penalties this season, which are his specialty, but has also scored spectacular goals from distance that have been nominated for ‘Goal of the Week’ or Goal of the Year.
In an interview with Telegrafi, Hadergjonaj spoke about his excellent form, self-confidence, courage in the game and objectives with the club and the national team.
Speaking about his current form, he emphasizes that this is the peak of his career so far and that he feels in perfect physical and mental condition.
“Yes, it is undoubtedly the best season in my career so far. Last season I also had a very good form, but this year I have surpassed even that. I am very happy with my current form and the contribution I am making to the team. I feel very good physically and mentally, and this is also reflected on the field,” Hadergjonaj tells Telegraf.
He evaluates his statistics and the role he has in the team, emphasizing the importance of offensive contribution even for defenders in modern football.
“Yes, they are very good statistics and I am pleased that I can contribute so much to the team. Modern football requires defenders to also have an impact on the attack, and I work hard on this aspect of my game.”
Hadergjonaj says he is not surprised by his form, as he has always had confidence in his abilities and potential.
“Yes, I know very well what I am capable of and what capacity I have. This is not something that has surprised me. I have always believed in myself and I have worked hard for this level. When you know yourself and work every day, these results come naturally,” the Dardanian defender continues.
He also dwells on the responsibility he takes on the field, including the execution of penalties and the courage to take more risks in the game.
“I like to take responsibility, and that’s why I take penalties for my club. But the last few goals haven’t only been from penalties, I’ve also scored some really beautiful goals, which have even been nominated in the Turkish Super League for ‘goal of the month’. Lately I’ve been taking more risks in my game and I’m daring to shoot more towards the goal, and that’s paying off. I believe that when you have courage and self-confidence, in the end you’re rewarded with beautiful goals.”
“Even in penalties, I take responsibility without hesitation, because I’m not afraid, I have hot blood and I’m always ‘fiery’ on the field (Tiger of Decani, hahahaha),” Hadergjonaj continues, laughing.
As for personal goals, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of achieving even higher figures by the end of the season.
Will you reach 20 contributions with goals and assists by the end of the season?
“Why not? If I continue at this pace and stay healthy, anything is possible. But my main focus is always the success of the team.”
Speaking about the future, he shows that he is focused on his current club, but leaves open the possibility of changes, as his name is always linked to other clubs, thanks to the excellent form he has shown.
“I currently have one more year of contract with Alanyaspor. But everyone knows how football works – anything is possible, especially when you have a season and statistics like that. For now I am focused on my team, while the future will become clear in due time,” said Hadergjonaj.
The Kosovo national team has a vital match ahead of them for the World Cup Play-Offs, where they face Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26th.
When it comes to the National Team, Hadergjonaj expresses pride and maximum motivation to represent the country.
“It is always a great honor to represent Kosovo. I come with a lot of motivation and pride, and I am very eager to join the team. I am looking forward to the training camp and the matches, I am really very motivated and ‘ardent’ to give my best on the field.”
He considers the upcoming match against Slovakia as the most important in his career and believes the team has a historic opportunity.
“It is the most important match of my career, and I believe it is also for my teammates. We have a great opportunity to achieve something extraordinary for our country and to write history. We will give everything on the field for this objective,” Hadergjonaj told Telegrafi.
As for the possible match scenarios, he hopes for a victory in regular time, but is also ready for penalties.
“I hope the match is decided within 90 minutes in our favor. But if it goes to penalties, we have players with a lot of experience in these situations. Personally, I have no doubts, I am ready to take responsibility and I am not afraid,” says the player from Decan.
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If Kosovo defeats Slovakia, then in the final they will face the winner of the Turkey – Romania duel, where for Hadergjonaj it would be a special match if he faced the Turks.
“If it’s Turkey, of course it will be something very special for me, as I’ve lived and played here for many years and I have a strong connection with the country. But in the end, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, we have to be focused and ready for whoever comes.”
Finally, he has a special message for the fans, promising maximum commitment from him and the team.
“A special message to our most ardent fans: you always do your part perfectly, both in good times and in difficult ones, you always stand behind us and that means a lot to us.”
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“Personally, as Florent Hadergjonaj, I put both hands on the fire that I will give my maximum and everything of myself on the field. I believe that my teammates are at the same level of dedication. Together we have the opportunity to achieve something historic and write history for Kosovo,” concluded Hadergjonaj.
The 31-year-old has been part of the Kosovo National Team since 2019 and is always one of the players who gives his best for the national team’s jersey.
The full-back has played 38 matches for Kosovo, scoring one goal against Macedonia and providing four assists. /Telegraph/