Robert Koren

Robert Koren (born September 20 1980) is a Slovenian football midfielder who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion F.C. in the England Premier League.

Career

Koren played for NK Publikum, NK Dravograd and NK Radlje in his home country, before transferring to Norway side Lillestrøm S.K. in 2004. He became one of the most highly rated players of the Norwegian Premier League, many regarding him as the best foreigner in the entire competition. Koren was the definitive playmaker for Lillestrøm, and has often been compared to his former idol Zlatko Zahovič. During his time in Norway he was linked with moves to English clubs Leeds United A.F.C. and Manchester City F.C..

On January 4, 2007, Koren signed for England Championship club West Bromwich Albion in a Bosman ruling, penning an 18 month contract with a further year's option in the club's favour. He made his debut two days later as a late substitute in the Baggies' 3–1 win over Leeds United A.F.C. in the FA Cup 3rd round. Koren scored his first goal for the club in a 7–0 home win against Barnsley F.C. on 6 May, 2007, the last day of the league season. The victory ensured Albion's place in the Football League Championship promotion playoffs. Koren started all three playoff games as Albion beat Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. in the two-legged semi-final but lost 1–0 to Derby County F.C. in the Wembley Stadium final.

In July 2007 Koren suffered a freak accident in training when a ball hit him in the eye, causing internal bleeding and temporary loss of vision. Although he made a full recovery, he later admitted that he had feared for his sight. The injury meant that he missed the start of the 2007-08 in English football season, but he returned to the side at the end of August as a substitute in a Football League Cup game against Peterborough United F.C.. In mid-September he signed a new two-year contract at Albion, with a further year's option in the club's favour. He has been described by West Brom manager Tony Mowbray as a "model pro". Koren's two goals in Albion's 3–2 defeat away at Southampton F.C. in October 2007 earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Week.

Koren has been capped 32 times for Slovenia national football team, scoring one goal, and played 12 matches for their Slovenia national under-21 football team. He was named as his country's captain prior to their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Group 3.

Personal life

Koren is married and has a son named Nal, who was born in 2005 or 2006. Koren's interests include playing tennis.

Honours

Club

- Norwegian Cup Runners-up: Norwegian Football Cup
- Royal League Runners-up: Royal League 2005-06
- UEFA Intertoto Cup Runners-up: UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006
- Football League Championship: The Football League 2007-08

Individual

- Kniksen award: Kniksen award 2006