Israel Soccer Coach Bets on Attacking Midfield Against Austria

The Israeli national soccer team will face Austria on Thursday with a midfield lineup that notably lacks a natural defensive player. Coach Ran Ben Shimon has opted to start Eliel Peretz, Dor Peretz, and Oscar Gloukh in the midfield.

Eliel Peretz typically plays as an attacking midfielder and has rarely been deployed in a defensive role, though he has had occasional stints in that position. Dor Peretz, the top scorer in the Israeli Premier League, has also played further up the field in recent years, primarily in attack, despite earlier career appearances as a defensive midfielder and even a center-back.

Austria's expected midfield trio includes Nicolas Seiwald of Leipzig, Xaver Schlager of Nottingham Forest, and Romano Schmid of Frosinone. Seiwald is valued at €25 million and is considered one of the Bundesliga's top defensive midfielders. Schlager recently moved to the English Premier League, while Schmid has been instrumental in Frosinone's strong start to their season.

Ben Shimon's decision to field an attacking midfield against a strong Austrian team, featuring players like Seiwald, raises questions about the team's defensive solidity. The Israeli lineup also includes Manour Solomon, Anan Khalaili, and Sayed Abu Farhi in attack.

The Israeli starting lineup is: Daniel Perez, Guy Mzerahi, Nikita Stoyanov, Idan Nachmias, Roy Revivo, Eliel Peretz, Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Manour Solomon, Anan Khalaili, Sayed Abu Farhi.