Top Israeli League Teams Rely on Exceptional Wingers and Dribbling Prowess

After seven rounds, the 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season sees five top teams vying for the championship, separated by only five points. This season, like those before, features exceptional wingers playing key roles for these leading clubs. Maccabi Haifa, currently in first place, signed Pedro Brazão this summer, while Hélio Varela is considered one of Maccabi Tel Aviv's best players. Douglas Owusu of Hapoel Tel Aviv is emerging as a strong signing, and Javon East has become a significant winger for Beersheba. Beitar Jerusalem, having secured 13 of the last 15 possible points, is still heavily influenced by Yarden Shua and Omer Atzili.

This trend of impactful wingers is not new. Maccabi Haifa won championships during Omer Atzili's peak years. Later, Felicio Milson and Wesley achieved success, and last year, Beersheba's star winger Dan Biton was sidelined by myocarditis. The dominance of wingers, both in Israel and globally, is often attributed to their dribbling ability, enabling them to break down defenses in one-on-one situations and create scoring chances. This season, the focus is on identifying the league's best dribbler.

According to SofaScore, Isaac of Maccabi Netanya leads with an average of 6 successful dribbles per game at an 78% success rate, though he has played only three games. Nene Gambela of Tiberias follows with 2.5 successful dribbles per game (52%), and Pedro Brazão of Maccabi Haifa is third with 2.5 (48%). Hélio Varela of Maccabi Tel Aviv ranks fourth with 2.4 successful dribbles (68%), and David Asenka of Hapoel Ramat Gan is fifth with 2.4 (63%). Other notable players include Karim Kimwidi (Hapoel Petah Tikva), Liran Hazan (Maccabi Petah Tikva), Amadou Sagna (Kiryat Shmona), Kangi Hura (Maccabi Haifa), and Amir Ganach (Hapoel Beersheba).

Progressive runs with the ball per 90 minutes, according to WyScout, highlight Douglas Owusu (Hapoel Tel Aviv) as the leader with 4.84. Kyle Spence (Maccabi Petah Tikva) is second with 4.58, followed by Kangi Hura (Maccabi Haifa) with 4.33. Wahib Habiballah (Hapoel Haifa) and Isaac (Maccabi Netanya) are also in the top five. The distinction between dribbles and progressive runs is that dribbling measures successful ball carries overall, while progressive runs measure forward movement with the ball, indicating effectiveness.

The article notes that the value of dribbling is amplified in tighter spaces, making it crucial for top teams. While players like Wahib Habiballah and Nene Gambela are skilled dribblers, their effectiveness is measured against different defensive structures. Isaac's impressive dribbling statistics are based on a small sample size, with his overall contribution to goals yet to be seen. Douglas Owusu and Pedro Brazão are considered the league's top dribblers, but they are used differently by their teams. Owusu leads in progressive runs, facilitating team attacks, while Brazão, though covering less ground, creates significant offensive opportunities for Maccabi Haifa, especially when Bruninho plays as an attacking midfielder.

Hélio Varela of Maccabi Tel Aviv is also noted for his increased dribbling this season, often moving centrally. The article concludes by posing the question of whether wingers moving centrally or staying wide is more effective, leaving the answer to the season's final standings or reader discussion.