Dor Peretz, the Yellow & Blue midfielder has always looked forward to the chance of playing with the First Team and he’s done just that over the past few seasons. Year by year he has continued to grow both on and off of the pitch. In this exclusive interview find out what makes number 42 go and where he feels his place is as he continues on the path to stardom:

“There’s something in my game and the way I play. When I see my teammates in front of me, even if my play has been good or bad in a certain match, I’m always in it right until the end. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, I know how to lift myself up and I know how to encourage my teammates as well, especially when we are under pressure. I’m always there for my teammates and for myself. That’s why even at this age I’ve been able to pass the test of playing on the First Team.”

For someone who hasn’t even finished the army, you’ve won a championship, State Cup, Toto Cup, played for the Israel National Team and participated in six Champions League group stage matches:

“It’s pretty nice that I’ve been able to get so much done at such a young age. There’s a special feeling that surrounds a player from Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth department that makes it up to the First Team. Being a homegrown player is very meaningful for the fans and the people around the club.”

On becoming a footballer:

“There was a big debate in the family as to what my path should be in becoming a footballer. My father and big brother who is still playing had careers in football and of course there’s also my agent and others who gave me tips and their thoughts about what I should do. Some wanted me to go and have the stage where I could play game in and game out. They felt I was a good player and at Maccabi Tel Aviv there are plenty of fine players and you never know if you’ll play even though you deserve the chance.

I believed in myself, I saw that my level was good enough for Maccabi Tel Aviv and that I deserved to play with the club. As time went by I saw that I was getting the chance to play and I’m happy with the decision that I made.”

On the amount of coaches the club had over the past few years:

“As a young player it felt very odd that coaches kept coming and going at Maccabi because usually they would put the youngsters to the side and see what the other players they had to work with could do. But I saw it as a chance to push myself and that gave me the drive to be the best that I could be and see what I really could do and that I deserved to play.

There are always talented players at Maccabi Tel Aviv who deserve and want to play. For me the challenge always continues. I’m always having to prove myself and fight for my spot and I hope that I’ll be there this season.”


Some of the veterans have left the club:

“Yoav, Carlos and Eran were a dominating force and real friends. They’ll be missed, but now is a chance for other players, including myself to step up and fill the void. I bring leadership and other good qualities on the pitch to help us all come together, things that can bring us more and more together as a team. Up until now I was more concentrated on myself as a young player, but today I see myself as part of the club whether I’m playing or not both on the pitch and in the lockerroom.

Goals for the new season:

“This year my goal is to show how I’ve improved. Last season I had a bunch of chances to score in crucial matches but I missed. I want to come into the season sharper, more focussed and accurate in front of the goal.”

The future:

“I’d like to have the opportunity to play in Europe or around the world. Right now I’m strengthening my standing at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Maccabi is my dream and down the road is Europe.”

On his shirt it says, “One Life, One Team”:

“There’s no question I agree with that slogan.