Beitar Jerusalem Midfielder Boris Enow Faces Second-Year Slump
Boris Enow, a key midfielder for Beitar Jerusalem since his arrival in the 2025/26 season, is experiencing a significant dip in form, raising concerns among fans and club officials. Initially lauded for stabilizing the team's defense and midfield, Enow was instrumental in Beitar's strong performance, with the team losing only two league games out of seventeen during his early tenure. He was seen as a crucial player, capable of controlling the midfield alongside young talent Yarin Levi, and was praised for his versatility by then-director Barak Itzhaki.
However, the current season has seen a stark contrast. By early September, Enow had already engaged in public disputes with fans on Instagram, deleted and then restored his posts after intervention from Almog Cohen, and traveled to visit his family. Despite remaining a starter, his performance has declined, notably contributing to a turnover that led to a goal in a 2-1 loss to Austria Vienna, which ultimately eliminated Beitar from European competition. Club sources described him as a "game-changer" who took the team's struggles personally.
This slump continued in a 4-1 defeat to his former club, Maccabi Netanya, where midfield errors, including some by Enow, contributed to the rapid scoring by the opposition. While initially hoped that a family visit would help, sentiment has shifted, with some questioning his current form. The article suggests that the "second-year syndrome" is at play, with Enow struggling to meet the high expectations he set in his impactful debut season, where he was seen as a savior following disappointment with a previous player.
Beitar Jerusalem, aiming for the championship this year after a successful previous season, faces increased pressure. The article posits that the absence of Yarin Levi, who provided defensive cover as a deep-lying midfielder, has forced Enow into a more purely defensive role for which he is not naturally suited. Levi's presence allowed Enow more freedom to advance and contribute offensively, evidenced by his key passes last season. With Beitar's fullbacks often joining the attack, Enow's defensive duties have increased, limiting his offensive impact.
Potential solutions discussed include repositioning other midfielders like Noam Mucha or Daniel Workman into more defensive roles, or recalling Ziv Ben Shimol, who previously deputized for Levi. The article concludes that Beitar's ability to help Enow regain his confidence is a major test for Almog Cohen, and that his resurgence is crucial for the team's championship aspirations. The team faces a challenging start to the season with upcoming matches against Hapoel Tel Aviv and Bnei Sakhnin.
