Eli Dasa Returns to Israeli Football After Storied International Career
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Eli Dasa, captain of the Israeli national football team, has returned to Israel to join Maccabi Haifa after a career abroad. His journey from humble beginnings, overcoming financial and physical challenges, is seen as inspirational. Dasa played for clubs in the Netherlands and Russia before his return. His leadership and experience are expected to significantly boost Maccabi Haifa's title ambitions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eli Dasa, captain of the Israeli national team, has signed a two-year deal with Maccabi Haifa.
- Dasa overcame significant financial and physical challenges early in his career.
- He played for Vitesse Arnhem, Dynamo Moscow, and NEC Nijmegen during his time abroad.
- His return to Israel is seen as a major boost for Maccabi Haifa's title aspirations.
- Dasa has become a key leader and captain for the Israeli national team.
Eli Dasa, captain of the Israeli national football team, has returned to Israel to play for Maccabi Haifa after a significant career abroad. His journey is highlighted as an example of overcoming adversity for young aspiring athletes. Dasa's absence from recent national team press conferences, despite his strong past performances in such roles, sparked public discussion. While initially thought to be due to his free agent status, it was revealed the national team coach aimed to reduce criticism for selecting him without a club and to develop other players for media duties.
Dasa's career began in his hometown of Nes Ziona, moving through youth systems at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem. At 17, he was promoted to Beitar's senior team but faced setbacks due to illness and injury, struggling with consistency. A turning point came in 2012 when coach Eli Cohen recognized his potential and advised him on physical improvement. Cohen also learned of Dasa's financial struggles, including reliance on rides and inability to afford recommended food, prompting the club to offer some assistance, though limited by the team's own financial difficulties.
His breakthrough occurred in the 2014-2015 season under coaches Menachem Koretzky and Uryi Ozen at Beitar Jerusalem. This led to a high-profile transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2015 for approximately €900,000, a significant financial upgrade from his previous salary. Despite joining Maccabi Tel Aviv during a period dominated by Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Dasa eventually won his first league title with the club in the 2018-2019 season before moving abroad.
His international career began in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem, where he spent three successful years. He then moved to Dynamo Moscow in Russia for financial reasons, followed by a stint with NEC Nijmegen. Throughout his time abroad, Dasa evolved into a key player and captain for the Israeli national team, valued for his leadership and ability to connect the squad. His return to Maccabi Haifa has generated debate among commentators regarding his current role, but many believe he will be a significant asset to the team's aspirations for titles.