As we enter Matchday 17, Macabi Netanya has scored the second most goals in the league as Slobodan Drapic’s team have found the back of the goal 30 times. Only Beitar has more with 38 markers.
Dia Saba and Eran Levy shoot at every chance
Maccabi is the club that takes the most attempts on goal with 16.2 per match while Netanya finds themselves right behind them in second place with 15.8. However, Drapic’s side has more attempts on target with 6.8 per match while Maccabi stands at 5.7.
One of the most interesting statistics in regards to Netanya is the following: The two players who have taken the most shots are Eran Levy and Dia Saba. The former has taken 70 attempts with 29 on target while the latter has made 59 attempts with 28 being accurate on target. Saba in fact has 14 league goals, meaning that 50% of his attempts on target find their way behind the opposing keeper. Shoval Gozlan from Kiryat Shemona is in third place with 50 shots while 15 of them were on target.
Another category that Netanya “excels” in is fouls with 15.1 per match good for 2nd place just behind Hapoel Acre who have 15.4. Defensive midfielder Nico Olsak is giving Khaled Khalaila a battle for the most fouls this campaign as both of them sport 40 a piece.
Fewer crosses, more key passes
Netanya is known to push the ball forward and play direct football while not controlling the ball for lengthy periods of time. Using a diamond formation in the middle of the pitch is why there are fewer crosses from the wings. Along with Beitar Jerusalem, the Diamond City side has the fewest accurate crosses with 1.6 per match. In general, Netanya has the fewest amount of crosses with an average of 12 per contest.
On the other hand, Netanya has the most key passes which is one of the most significant categories in modern football. A key pass is one that puts a player in a position to score or sends a player past the defensive line and into open space. Netanya makes 20 key passes a match with 8 hitting their intended targets. Only Maccabi Tel Aviv makes more accurate passes with 9 per match.
Saba’s dream season
Dia Saba’s having an amazing season from a statistical point of view. Not only is Saba leading the league in goals with 14 but he has also assisted on three as well. He is also in second place in the league with 70 key passes, 35 of which being accurate. Eran Levy finds himself in third place with 70 key passes while 24 made it to their intended address.
On the defensive side it’s worth paying attention to central defender Branco Vrgoc who has been involved in the most tackles in the league winning 152 of 214. He also has 11 interceptions per 90 minutes putting him amongst the leaders in that category.
