Unsigned Eli Dasa Earns Israel National Team Call-Up for Leadership, Fitness

Despite being without a club for an extended period, Israeli national team captain Eli Dasa has been called up for the upcoming Nations League campaign, a decision that has raised questions about selecting players without regular club playtime. This situation mirrors his previous call-up, where he also lacked consistent game time but still delivered strong performances for the team, playing both as a defender and an additional center-back.

Dasa, who aims to continue his European career and is reportedly close to signing with a new club outside of Israel, is maintaining a high level of fitness. According to reports, his physical data, including low body fat and maintained workloads, are encouraging, indicating he is ready for national team duty despite not training with a club.

Coach Ran Ben Shimon trusts Dasa not only for his professional abilities but also for his significant contributions off the field. Dasa is described as a unifying figure in the locker room, offering advice to younger players and bridging generational gaps. He maintains positive relationships with all team staff, ensuring support for those working behind the scenes.

If Dasa plays in the upcoming match against Austria, he will reach 78 appearances for the national team, tying him with Israeli football legends like Eyal Berkovic and Dudu Awat. This milestone highlights his enduring importance to the team, even as he searches for a new club, underscoring the sentiment that a captain's value extends beyond on-field minutes.