Hapoel Be'er Sheva Utilizes Javon East in Dual Role Ahead of Champions League Playoff

Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel's reigning champion, is set to face Sabah in the Champions League playoff with a tactical innovation involving their Jamaican forward Javon East. Since joining from Hapoel Haifa in January, East has primarily served as a backup or competitor to striker Igor Zlatanović, helping Be'er Sheva secure the top striker position in the Israeli Premier League. However, this season and in the upcoming playoff match, East is deployed unusually on the wing alongside Zlatanović, a pairing that has yielded victories in all three matches they played together in the 2025/26 season.

East's role is unconventional; although listed as a striker, he frequently moves from the wing into the center, allowing Be'er Sheva to fluidly shift formations from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 during matches. This flexibility enhances the team's control even when they have fewer shots on goal than opponents, as demonstrated in their 2-0 win over Red Star Belgrade, where East scored and assisted Zlatanović. The first goal came from a quick counterattack exploiting defensive disorganization, while East’s second goal showcased his instinctive finishing inside the box.

This tactical setup also benefits Be'er Sheva defensively, with winger Zahy Ahmad providing pressure and support, enabling the team to maintain clean sheets in their last three games. The defense, anchored by veterans Miguel Vitor and Itay Rotman, along with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, has performed strongly, supported by the team's ability to adapt formations quickly. East’s dual role effectively gives Be'er Sheva the presence of two strikers on the field, increasing their attacking options and tactical versatility.

Coach Ran Kozuch’s innovative use of East reflects the player’s previous versatility shown in Costa Rica and represents a significant upgrade for Be'er Sheva as they prepare for the Champions League playoff. This approach aims to maximize the team's strengths and maintain their competitive edge in European competition.