Israel's Top Penalty-Drawing Footballers Ranked

A new ranking of Israeli Premier League players based on penalties drawn since the 2023/24 season highlights Yarden Shua of Hapoel Jerusalem as the current leader with six, three of which were in the current season. Dor Peretz of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Omer Atzili of Hapoel Jerusalem are tied for second with five penalties drawn. Roy Rabivo, who has since moved to Elche, topped the list with seven penalties drawn during his time in the league, with three players tied for third with three penalties each: Matheus Dabo (Netanya), Fernand Mayembo (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Ali Musa (Kiryat Shmona), and Osher Davida (Maccabi Tel Aviv).

The analysis suggests that the league's best and most dangerous players tend to draw the most fouls and penalties in the box, as they pose a greater threat to defenses. This often leads to increased physicality and more penalty opportunities. Interestingly, players who are adept at changing direction and creating danger, rather than just classic strikers, are highlighted. Yarden Shua, for example, drew half of his six penalties in the current season, while last year he drew only one despite scoring a career-high 15 goals.

Fernand Mayembo is noted for his effectiveness, drawing three penalties last season, all from fouls in the box. Despite not being exceptionally tall for a defender, his strength is identified as a key factor in his ability to draw fouls, particularly during set pieces. The article suggests that smaller teams might explore strategies of isolating strong defenders against weaker opposing defenders during corners to induce penalties.

Other players mentioned include Ali Musa, who drew three penalties from 35 fouls during his time in Israel and now plays in the Maltese league, and Andrea Novakovich, who has recently drawn two penalties. Novakovich's physicality as a striker is also seen as a factor in drawing defensive attention and fouls.