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http://www.tam.co.il/12_1_2007/images/ben_sahar.jpg)
Rising Star in Israel Hits the Fast Track of English Soccer Ben Sahar did not play a big role in Chelsea’s run to the English F.A. Cup title. He did not play a part in Chelsea’s second-place finish in the Premier League. And Sahar did not step on to the field once as Chelsea advanced to the semifinals of the European Champions League.
But Sahar, a 17-year-old striker from Israel whose nickname is the Kid, is expected to be at the nexus of his national team’s attack in Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Group E against F.Y.R. Macedonia in Skopje. He will also lead Israel in the European U-21 championship in the Netherlands, which begins June 10 with a match against the host nation.
Sahar, Chelsea’s first Israeli player, was obtained one year ago from Hapoel Tel Aviv for a $635,000 transfer fee in a competition that included Arsenal, Tottenham (which traditionally has a large Jewish fan base) and Aston Villa. (He solved the problem of obtaining a British work permit by obtaining Polish citizenship because of his mother’s background.) Sahar spent most of the time on Chelsea’s reserve team before making his debut, as a substitute against Macclesfield Town in an F.A. Cup match on Jan. 6. He played in his first Premier League game, against Wigan Athletic, on Jan. 13.
But Sahar made the soccer world stand up and take notice when he scored two exquisite goals in a 4-0 Euro 2008 qualifier on March 28 against Estonia in his third appearance for the national team. The goals made him the youngest player to score in the history of Israel’s senior national team.
“Things now are actually a little bit crazy for me in Israel,†Sahar said in a recent telephone interview from London. “Everyone knows you. Sometimes it is nice to play away from Israel, what with all the media there watching you, wanting to see what you’re doing. In England, at least right now, I feel like a tourist. It is quiet and relaxed, even on one of the best teams.â€
After the match against Macedonia, in which he is likely to start, Sahar will probably be released to the under-21 team for the eight-nation tournament in the Netherlands, and not play in the qualifier against Andorra on June 6, the national team’s administrator, Israel Stupinski, said yesterday by telephone from Israel.
In qualifying so far for next summer’s tournament, which Austria and Switzerland will co-host, Israel is 2 points behind Croatia, tied for second with England and Russia.
Later this summer, Sahar will accompany Chelsea on its United States tour, which will open July 14 with a match against Club América of Mexico in Stanford, Calif., and continue with a four-team tournament outside Los Angeles on July 17 and 21 (with Tigres UANL of Mexico, Suwon Bluewings of South Korea and the Galaxy of Major League Soccer).
After spending most of this past season with Chelsea’s reserve team, Sahar said he sees only good things in his future.
“When I first came to England I thought it would be difficult,†Sahar said. “A new country, a different culture. But all went very well. I feel a joy for football here. But you have to be strong and play very, very quickly.â€
Asked his impression of Chelsea’s often-controversial and always-outspoken Portuguese coach, José Mourinho, Sahar said: “I knew José had always coached big teams, that he’s a big coach. When I train, he can see everything. Maybe when I play a little slow, he sees and tells me. He tells me to have no worries about the future. I believe I have the quality to play in England. I just have to work hard and show I deserve to be on the first team.â€
The only remaining stumbling block to Sahar’s English adventure is the requisite 3 years of military service for Israeli men and women (2 years) 18 and older. Although Chelsea refused to comment on the prospect of losing Sahar, there have been reports from Israel that an exemption is in the works.
linkHe's the best player in Chelsea reserve/young teams and Mourinho is saying (and I agree (IMG:
) ) that he has a big future. He's only 17 but strong, fast and has a good technique.