In just two games, Albion Rrahmani of Kosovo scored four goals for Rapid Bucharest and had five more huge opportunities. But how did this 23-year-old guy end up in a championship like Romania’s? Because, honestly speaking, he’s the best piece of attacker that Liga 1 has in the last 20 years for sure. To score four goals in two matches it can be a question of luck, indeed, but this is not about scoring only, but how this guy plays up in front. His technique and ball control are exactly what a striker needs. Now I will tell you how he arrived at the club and who the key component is: Daniel Sandu, head of scouting.
Albion Rrahmani, from a list of three
Rapid Bucharest needed a striker, despite already having the top scorer of the previous Liga 1 edition, Marko Dugandzic. And here is when Sandu stepped in. Of course, the transfer decision was a mutual one and involved the club board, but to bring this guy up was a special thing, led by the mentioned department. Was it a simple thing? Actually, not. On the final top list there were three names, all with a good background and decent in terms of offering Rapid what it needs on the offensive:
- Albion Rrahmani, 23 years old, 1.88 meters
- Ioannis Pittas, 27 years old, 1.80 meters
- Mirlind Daku, 25 years old, 1.92 meters
Where did the other two guys go?
The order is not necessarily correct; I have started with Rrahmani because he is the one playing now for Rapid, and making a great impression. I don’t know how Rapid would look like with any of the two above mentioned, but it is important to mention that each captured a transfer. Pittas went to AIK Solna, in Sweden and Daku went to Rubin Kazan, in Russia – a tricky move in the actual environment, but most likely very highly paid. Maybe Albion was the main option from the beginning and it looks correct to think like this, given the way in how he touches the ball. Not to mention that he is the youngest of all three, and with the three-year contract, he can secure a great deal for Rapid.
Albion Rrahmani scored 31 goals in 53 matches for Balkani
According to reports, he was bought for 600k EUR from Balkani, champion of Kosovo, which at the beginning seemed a huge amount in my judgment, in spite of his 31 goals scored in 53 official matches. Seeing him playing and scoring, though, not only have I realized that the Romanian championship is weaker compared to Kosovo, but I am also sure Albion Rrahmani can score around 40 goals this season. Then what? I don’t know… But if he does, then Rapid might receive a 10-million offer for the lad in less than one year. Dugandzic is in trouble now! Because, even though he has scored six goals this season and 22 last season, Rrahmani looks better. Far better!
Dugandzic… either with Albion in the same team or on the bench
I hope to see a Rapid team playing with both Dugandzic and Rrahmani from the beginning, as they fit together, being different styles, but, if Bergodi is scared to do so, then Albion Rrahmani should remain as a starter. Will it be correct? For sure! The way in which he controls the ball, the fast touch, the precise shoot, qualifies him to be in the position of the best striker Liga 1 had in decades. I hope this will last, but judging by the facts, it should. A big, big plus for Daniel Sandu and the scouting team who made the move.
Source: gsp.ro