Erdin Demir


Erdin Demir is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a left back for Zulte Waregem in the Belgian First Division A.

Career

Sweden

Demir played youth football with Malmö FF, making his professional debut in the Svenska Cupen against Kristianstad. He scored the first goal in what would become a 3–2 win to Malmö. A move to LB07 was next as it became apparent he would not break into the Malmö first team. At the start of 2011, Demir moved back into the Allsvenskan with Trelleborg. Despite finishing fifteenth and in a relegation spot, he was nominated for Allsvenskan Newcomer of the Year. His impressive season attracted interest from Swedish side Djurgården and unnamed teams in Turkey, the country of his origins.

Brann

On 6 December 2011, Demir signed with Norwegian club Brann for around five million Swedish kronor. His contract will run until the end of the 2015 Tippeligaen season. Former Brann striker and Trelleborg team mate of Demir Joakim Sjöhage described the young Swede as "a modern full-back," continuing to say that "he is good offensively and stable defensively. He came as a new signing to Trelleborg, but was consistently one of the best in the team."
During the mid-season break in his first season in Norway, Demir spoke of how he wished to use the autumn as a new start. On his first six months, he said, "I got a good start in pre-season. It created high expectations, then I had a less than fortunate start to the league. I received a lot of criticism. As with everyone else who receives that, it hit my self-confidence." He justified his slow start by saying, "I was bought as an offensive full back, to help with attack. You must be aware that there will be space behind me." His coach, Rune Skarsfjord was in agreement that " is unfinished," but is confident that he'll "grow" defensively.

International career

Demir has played seven games for the Sweden under-21 team. In his four appearances during the 2013 European Under-21 Championship qualification he has assisted four goals, the equal most of any player.
On 14 December 2011, Erik Hamrén called Demir up to the Swedish national side for two friendly matches against Qatar and Bahrain. His debut came against the former on 23 January 2012, in which he received very positive reviews.

Career statistics