Niv Yehoshua's Rapid Rise to Israeli National Football Team

Midfielder Niv Yehoshua, who played in the second-tier National League just six months ago, is set to make his debut for the Israeli national football team. Yehoshua, a key player for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, has become a significant part of the team's rotation, playing more minutes than almost any other player this season. His rapid ascent is surprising given his previous season in the National League where he scored only four goals.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva was reportedly the only club to actively pursue Yehoshua, with no serious offers from other major teams. The deal was verbally agreed upon by owner Alona Barkat and chairman Avi Luzon at the end of the National League season. Yehoshua subsequently signed a five-year contract worth 400,000 shekels net per season, a substantial amount for the 21-year-old.

Coach Ran Kochav, who previously gave Yehoshua significant opportunities at Maccabi Petah Tikva, including starting him in the State Cup final at age 21, has been a strong advocate for the player. Kochav's high-pressing, dynamic tactical system at Hapoel Be'er Sheva perfectly suits Yehoshua's playing style. The midfielder consistently plays full 90 minutes, covers significant ground, and excels at ball recovery and aggressive play.

While Yehoshua may lack the dribbling skills or speed of former Be'er Sheva star Kings Kangwa, he is seen as a versatile successor on the field. He can adapt to deeper midfield roles, as demonstrated in a recent 5-2 victory where he scored twice, and has shown tactical flexibility, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, or even an attacking midfielder. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for modern coaches like Kochav and potentially Ben Shimon, who is expected to give him a starting role.

Yehoshua's journey includes overcoming early setbacks, such as a debut loss under Kochav at Petah Tikva, where the coach's continued faith was crucial. Kochav's belief in Yehoshua and other young players like Liran Hazan, who is also attracting interest from top clubs, highlights a trend of developing intense, versatile midfielders suited for contemporary football. Hazan, a more offensive player, is also being pursued by major clubs, with both players seen as having the potential for high-level careers.