Maccabi Haifa Signs Eli Dasa, Adding Versatile Defender
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Haifa has signed defender Eli Dasa to a two-year deal, bringing him back to Israel after playing in the Netherlands. Dasa, who can play both right-back and center-back, joins immediately and adds experience and tactical flexibility to the team. His speed and crossing ability are seen as key assets for coach Barak Bakhar's squad. The signing is considered one of the summer's major acquisitions for the club.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa signed defender Eli Dasa to a two-year contract.
- Dasa can play both right-back and center-back, adding versatility.
- He joins immediately and will be available for coach Barak Bakhar.
- Dasa returns to Israel after playing in the Dutch league for NEC Nijmegen.
- His speed and crossing ability are highlighted as key strengths.
- The signing is considered one of the summer's major acquisitions.
Maccabi Haifa has signed defender Eli Dasa to a two-year contract, marking his return to Israeli football after a stint in the Netherlands. Dasa, who previously played for Maccabi Tel Aviv until 2019, joins the club immediately and will be available for coach Barak Bakhar.
A key question surrounding Dasa's arrival is his current match fitness, as he began last season without a club but was part of the Israeli national team squad. He played approximately 10 minutes per game in four national team appearances, featuring at both right-back and center-back.
Dasa's most significant recent development has been his transition to a center-back role, where he played most of last season for NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch league. Despite being slightly shorter than a typical center-back at 1.77 meters, his leadership and game intelligence were noted. Dutch media praised his abilities, particularly his speed and crossing, which contributed to his team's offensive play.
His speed, reaching a maximum of 34.1 km/h in the Dutch league, suggests he is still fast enough to play as a right-back. His crossing ability could be particularly beneficial for Maccabi Haifa, which features a physical striker like Andrea Novakovich and a right-winger, Pedro Brazão, who tends to cut inside. Dasa's attacking presence and willingness to cross could open up the field.
Maccabi Haifa's tactical flexibility could be enhanced by Dasa's signing, allowing for formations like 4-3-3 or a more attacking 3-4-3. The club has a history of signing free agents, and Dasa brings experience in championship races and a good connection with national teammate Omri Glazer. His professional maturity and versatility offer tactical options, especially with Pedro Brazão as a key player.
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