Jewish Midfielder Taylor Davila Could Be Israeli Soccer's Next 'Discovery Project'
Taylor Davila, an American midfielder of Jewish heritage, is currently playing for Louisville City FC in the second-tier USL Championship, where he has emerged as a standout player. Davila, who can operate in various midfield positions, has recorded seven assists this season and is valued at approximately $400,000 according to Transfermarkt. He previously played for LA Galaxy's academy and reserve teams and was linked with a move to Major League Soccer.
Davila's journey included a trial with Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv in December 2022, during a turbulent period for the team which saw its professional staff resign after a heavy defeat. While training briefly with Hapoel Petah Tikva, Davila opted to pursue opportunities in Europe, eventually signing with Rio Grande Valley FC in the USL.
His performance in his first season with Rio Grande Valley, scoring six goals and assisting five, led to a transfer to Louisville City. Louisville's coach at the time, Danny Cruz, praised Davila's "tactical awareness and exceptional quality on the ball." Davila has since become a key player for Louisville, earning consecutive selections to the league's All-Star team.
In his first season with Louisville, Davila played a more advanced role, contributing to seven goals and eight assists. In the following season, his responsibilities shifted to a more defensive role, where he recorded four goals, nine assists, and an impressive 6.3 tackles per game, earning him the league's MVP award. This season, he has continued to be a regular starter, often playing as a defensive midfielder, with seven assists so far.
Davila has expressed openness to returning to Israel in the future, potentially making him an attractive option for Israeli Premier League clubs. His speed, offensive capabilities, defensive commitment, and ability to read the game are highlighted as qualities that could suit Israeli football, leading to speculation that he could be a significant signing, a "discovery project" for an Israeli team.
