The son of Albanian parents started playing for the Valencia CF this season. As a stabilizer in defense, he currently contributes to the outstanding performance of the team in the league. He began his career in the youth ranks of Hamburger SV and English club Everton, where he made one substitute appearance in two-and-a-half-years before leaving to Sampdoria in January 2012. He signed a five-year deal at Valencia in August 2014.