Patrick Mtiliga
Encyclopedia
Patrick Jan Mtiliga is a Danish
professional footballer, who plays for Danish
club FC Nordsjælland
in Danish Superliga
. He is a defender
, who is most frequently used as a left fullback. He has played five games for the Denmark national football team
.
to a Danish mother and Tanzania
n father. He started playing youth football for Copenhagen club Boldklubben 1893
(B 93). He initially played as a forward
or attacking midfielder. He made his senior debut for B 93 in the 1998-99 Danish Superliga season
. After 13 league games for the club, he moved abroad to join Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam
in the Eredivisie
championship in the summer 1999.
from Feyenoord to feeder club Excelsior Rotterdam
in the lower league Eerste Divisie
, for an indefinite period of time. He established himself in the Excelsior first team squad during his first year at the club. He went on to play 4½ seasons for Excelsior, helping the club win promotion
for the Eredivisie in the 2001-02 season, though they were relegated again in the very next season. In the 2003-04 season, he secured himself a place in the Excelsior starting line-up, where he played 23 games. Halfway through the 2003-04 season, he was finally called into the Feyenoord squad. He finished the season playing 11 games in the Eredivisie for the club. The following year, his Feyenoord career came to a halt. He played 11 league games in his first full season for Feyenoord, as he incurred a serious hip injury in January 2005. As he recovered by January 2006, Feyenoord looked to loan him out again, while Mtiliga opted to spend the remainder of the season with the reserve team.
In August 2006, Mtiliga moved on to Eredivise rivals NAC Breda
, signing a one-year contract, with an option for extension. After a succes-filled period at NAC, he extended his contract by two-and-a-half years in January 2007. He played 30 of 34 games, as NAC was the surprise of the year and finished third in the 2007–08 Eredivisie. He established himself as one of the best left backs in the Eredivisie, and was included in team of the week on several occasions. When his contract expired in the summer 2009, he was approached by a number of clubs.
in the Spanish La Liga
championship in the summer 2009. He was injured in his first league game for the club, and had a hard time forcing his way back into the starting line-up. He was asked to take a more attacking approach by manager Juan Ramón López Muñiz
, and soon reasserted himself in the first team. In a 24 January 2010 away match against Real Madrid
, Cristiano Ronaldo
broke Mtiliga's nose by hitting him in the face with his elbow. Ronaldo was shown a red card
and it was reported that Mtiliga would be out of the game for three weeks. On 30 June 2011 his contract with the Andalusians expired and he left the club.
club FC Nordsjælland
that plays in the Danish topdivision Danish Superliga
. He signed a two-year contract. Making his league debut for FCN on 11 September 2011, in a 2-1 win over AaB.
.
In his time at Feyenoord, Mtiliga was touted as a coming Danish international by manager Ruud Gullit
. Though he played well for NAC Breda, he felt overlooked by the national team in spring 2008. In November 2008, he was called up for the senior Danish national team
by national manager Morten Olsen
. He made his debut against Wales
, but was then dropped from the national team. In May 2010, he was included in Olsen's preliminary Danish squad selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. Although his inclusion came as a surprise to some, Olsen found that Mtiliga's move to Malaga had improved his competitive level.
On 28 May 2010, Mtiliga was included in Olsen's "Final List" of 23 to play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. It was expected prior to the announcement of the "Final List", that the squad was to include either Mtiliga or defense colleague Simon Busk Poulsen
, but eventually both players were sent off to South Africa. He failed to make an appearance, though, in the World Cup finals, as Denmark finished third in their group and were eventually knocked out from the tournament.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
professional footballer, who plays for Danish
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
club FC Nordsjælland
FC Nordsjælland
Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C...
in Danish Superliga
Danish Superliga
The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest association football league in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year, with 2 teams to be relegated, which proves to be one of the...
. He is a defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
, who is most frequently used as a left fullback. He has played five games for the Denmark national football team
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
.
Club career
Patrick Mtiliga was born in CopenhagenCopenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
to a Danish mother and Tanzania
Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
n father. He started playing youth football for Copenhagen club Boldklubben 1893
Boldklubben 1893
Boldklubben af 1893 is a Danish football club currently playing in the Danish 2nd Division East. They play at the 7,000 seat Østerbro Stadion in Østerbro, Copenhagen.-Achievements:* Danish championship titles :...
(B 93). He initially played as a forward
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
or attacking midfielder. He made his senior debut for B 93 in the 1998-99 Danish Superliga season
Danish Superliga 1998-99
The 1998-99 Danish Superliga season was the 9th season of the Danish Superliga league championship, governed by the Danish Football Association. It took place from the first match on July 26, 1998 to final match on June 16, 1999....
. After 13 league games for the club, he moved abroad to join Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam
Feyenoord Rotterdam
Feyenoord is a Dutch professional football club located in Rotterdam. Along with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord is one of the "big three" clubs in the Netherlands. These three clubs and Utrecht and Roda JC are the only clubs never to have been relegated from the Dutch first division...
in the Eredivisie
Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA....
championship in the summer 1999.
Dutch years
He was initially loaned outLoan (football)
In sports, a loan involves a particular player being allowed to temporarily play for a club other than the one he is currently contracted to. Loan deals may last from a few weeks to all season-long....
from Feyenoord to feeder club Excelsior Rotterdam
Excelsior Rotterdam
SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'...
in the lower league Eerste Divisie
Eerste Divisie
The Eerste Divisie is the second-highest division of football in the Netherlands. It is linked with the top-level Eredivisie via a promotion/relegation system. It is also known as the Jupiler League due to sponsorship, which is the same name as the top league in Belgium...
, for an indefinite period of time. He established himself in the Excelsior first team squad during his first year at the club. He went on to play 4½ seasons for Excelsior, helping the club win promotion
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
for the Eredivisie in the 2001-02 season, though they were relegated again in the very next season. In the 2003-04 season, he secured himself a place in the Excelsior starting line-up, where he played 23 games. Halfway through the 2003-04 season, he was finally called into the Feyenoord squad. He finished the season playing 11 games in the Eredivisie for the club. The following year, his Feyenoord career came to a halt. He played 11 league games in his first full season for Feyenoord, as he incurred a serious hip injury in January 2005. As he recovered by January 2006, Feyenoord looked to loan him out again, while Mtiliga opted to spend the remainder of the season with the reserve team.
In August 2006, Mtiliga moved on to Eredivise rivals NAC Breda
NAC Breda
NAC Breda , simply often known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. They play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are known by the fierce and fanatic support of...
, signing a one-year contract, with an option for extension. After a succes-filled period at NAC, he extended his contract by two-and-a-half years in January 2007. He played 30 of 34 games, as NAC was the surprise of the year and finished third in the 2007–08 Eredivisie. He established himself as one of the best left backs in the Eredivisie, and was included in team of the week on several occasions. When his contract expired in the summer 2009, he was approached by a number of clubs.
Málaga
He signed a contract with Málaga CFMálaga CF
Málaga Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Málaga, Andalusia. The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga.Málaga CF is generally seen as the successor to CD Málaga, one of the most historical Andalusian football clubs, by being a near-identical looking football club that even shares...
in the Spanish La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
championship in the summer 2009. He was injured in his first league game for the club, and had a hard time forcing his way back into the starting line-up. He was asked to take a more attacking approach by manager Juan Ramón López Muñiz
Juan Ramón López Muñiz
Juan Ramón López Muñiz is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a central defender, and a current manager.-Playing career:Muñiz was born in Gijón, Asturias...
, and soon reasserted himself in the first team. In a 24 January 2010 away match against Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
broke Mtiliga's nose by hitting him in the face with his elbow. Ronaldo was shown a red card
Penalty card
A penalty card is used in many sports as a means of warning, reprimanding or penalising a player, coach or team official. Penalty cards are most commonly used by referees or umpires to indicate that a player has committed an offense. The referee will hold the card above his or her head while...
and it was reported that Mtiliga would be out of the game for three weeks. On 30 June 2011 his contract with the Andalusians expired and he left the club.
FC Nordsjælland
On August 4 it was confirmed that he would be returning to Denmark after 13 years abroad, as he signed a contract with DanishDenmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
club FC Nordsjælland
FC Nordsjælland
Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C...
that plays in the Danish topdivision Danish Superliga
Danish Superliga
The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest association football league in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year, with 2 teams to be relegated, which proves to be one of the...
. He signed a two-year contract. Making his league debut for FCN on 11 September 2011, in a 2-1 win over AaB.
International career
Mtiliga debuted for the Danish under-17 national team in August 1997. He has played a total 28 national youth team matches and scored four goals, including nine games and a single goal for the Danish under-21 national teamDenmark national under-21 football team
The Denmark national under-21 football team has played since 1976 and is controlled by the Danish Football Association. Before 1976, the age limit was 23 years.-U-21 European Championship:*1978 – Quarterfinals*1980 to 1984 – Did not qualify...
.
In his time at Feyenoord, Mtiliga was touted as a coming Danish international by manager Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit
OON is a Dutch football manager and former football player, who played professionally in the 1980s and 1990s. He was the captain of the Netherlands national team that was victorious at Euro 88 and was also a member of the squad for the 1990 World Cup. He was named the European Footballer of the...
. Though he played well for NAC Breda, he felt overlooked by the national team in spring 2008. In November 2008, he was called up for the senior Danish national team
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
by national manager Morten Olsen
Morten Olsen
Morten Per Olsen is a Danish football manager and former football player. He has been the head coach of the Danish national team since 2000, guiding Denmark to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, 2004 European Championship and 2010 FIFA World Cup...
. He made his debut against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
, but was then dropped from the national team. In May 2010, he was included in Olsen's preliminary Danish squad selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. Although his inclusion came as a surprise to some, Olsen found that Mtiliga's move to Malaga had improved his competitive level.
On 28 May 2010, Mtiliga was included in Olsen's "Final List" of 23 to play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. It was expected prior to the announcement of the "Final List", that the squad was to include either Mtiliga or defense colleague Simon Busk Poulsen
Simon Busk Poulsen
Simon Busk Poulsen is a Danish professional football player, who plays as a left back for AZ in the Dutch Eredivisie championship. He has played ten games for the Denmark national football team.-Club career:...
, but eventually both players were sent off to South Africa. He failed to make an appearance, though, in the World Cup finals, as Denmark finished third in their group and were eventually knocked out from the tournament.
Career statistics
| Season | Club | Games | Goals | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998/99 |  B.93 |
13 | 0 | Danish Superliga Danish Superliga The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest association football league in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year, with 2 teams to be relegated, which proves to be one of the... |
| 1999/00 |  ExcelsiorExcelsior Rotterdam SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'... |
31 | 10 | Eerste Divisie Eerste Divisie The Eerste Divisie is the second-highest division of football in the Netherlands. It is linked with the top-level Eredivisie via a promotion/relegation system. It is also known as the Jupiler League due to sponsorship, which is the same name as the top league in Belgium... |
| 2000/01 | Excelsior Excelsior Rotterdam SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'... |
29 | 6 | Eerste Divisie Eerste Divisie The Eerste Divisie is the second-highest division of football in the Netherlands. It is linked with the top-level Eredivisie via a promotion/relegation system. It is also known as the Jupiler League due to sponsorship, which is the same name as the top league in Belgium... |
| 2001/02 | Excelsior Excelsior Rotterdam SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'... |
27 | 4 | Eerste Divisie Eerste Divisie The Eerste Divisie is the second-highest division of football in the Netherlands. It is linked with the top-level Eredivisie via a promotion/relegation system. It is also known as the Jupiler League due to sponsorship, which is the same name as the top league in Belgium... |
| 2002/03 | Excelsior Excelsior Rotterdam SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'... |
29 | 3 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2003/04 | Excelsior Excelsior Rotterdam SBV Excelsior is a professional football club from the Kralingen-Crooswijk district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was founded on July 23, 1902 and was formerly known as 'Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior'... |
23 | 5 | Eerste Divisie Eerste Divisie The Eerste Divisie is the second-highest division of football in the Netherlands. It is linked with the top-level Eredivisie via a promotion/relegation system. It is also known as the Jupiler League due to sponsorship, which is the same name as the top league in Belgium... |
| 2003/04 | Feyenoord |
11 | 0 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2004/05 | Feyenoord |
11 | 0 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2005/06 | Feyenoord |
0 | 0 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2006/07 | NAC Breda NAC Breda NAC Breda , simply often known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. They play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are known by the fierce and fanatic support of... |
23 | 2 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2007/08 | NAC Breda NAC Breda NAC Breda , simply often known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. They play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are known by the fierce and fanatic support of... |
30 | 0 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2008/09 | NAC Breda NAC Breda NAC Breda , simply often known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. They play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are known by the fierce and fanatic support of... |
27 | 0 | Eredivisie Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.... |
| 2009/10 |  Málaga CFMálaga CF Málaga Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Málaga, Andalusia. The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga.Málaga CF is generally seen as the successor to CD Málaga, one of the most historical Andalusian football clubs, by being a near-identical looking football club that even shares... |
24 | 0 | La Liga La Liga The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system... |
| 2010/11 | Málaga CF Málaga CF Málaga Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Málaga, Andalusia. The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga.Málaga CF is generally seen as the successor to CD Málaga, one of the most historical Andalusian football clubs, by being a near-identical looking football club that even shares... |
17 | 0 | La Liga La Liga The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system... |
| 2011/12 | FC Nordsjælland FC Nordsjælland Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C... |
2 | 0 | Danish Superliga Danish Superliga The Danish Superliga is the current Danish football championship tournament, and administered by the Danish Football Association. It is the highest association football league in Denmark and is currently contested by 12 teams each year, with 2 teams to be relegated, which proves to be one of the... |
| TOTAL | 297 | 31 | ||