Even Munas Dabbur has to cover enormous distances during international breaks. Usually. In March, the TSG striker is already on the spot.
Dabbur has quite a bit behind him, also when it comes to the national team. The Israeli has already played 35 international matches for his country since his debut in 2014, scoring 13 goals and setting up 6. The 29-year-old was particularly successful in the calendar year that is coming to an end, with Dabbur scoring six goals and setting up two others in nine games for Israel in 2021.
At TSG, on the other hand, Dabbur had to fight for a long time for a permanent place. Also in the current season. It was not until the end of November that the technically strong penalty area striker made regular appearances in Hoffenheim’s starting eleven. In his most recent six appearances, he contributed three assists and two goals. The most recent goal was the dream goal in the 2:2 draw at Leverkusen, when Dabbur flicked the ball into the far corner with both speed and elegance.
Duell with space
The new year now holds a special highlight in store for the centre forward. An away game at home, so to speak. On 26 March, the Israeli team will play against Germany in Hoffenheim’s Arena in Sinsheim. This is a very special challenge for Dabbur. Especially as he could meet his team-mate David Raum, who will then have a home game just like national coach Hansi Flick, who comes from Bammental, only 18 kilometres away.
Incidentally, in the last international match in Sinsheim, a Hoffenheim player also scored the decisive goal for Germany. In September 2018, Nico Schulz, now of Dortmund, scored his first international goal, sending the DFB team to a 2-1 victory over Peru in what was then his “living room”. Possibly an omen for his successor on the left defensive side at TSG. Incidentally, like Raum, Schulz was also initially in a more attacking role in his career.
Elmkies probably not there
It is uncertain whether the second Israeli from Hoffenheim will also be able to play a role. Ilay Elmkies has already played five senior international matches (1 goal) for his country, but the last one was over a year ago. The 21-year-old last played for Israel’s U21 team. This was also because his club career had stalled. After an unfortunate loan to Den Haag in the Netherlands, the attacking midfielder (contract until 2023) is now on loan to Austrian first division club Admira Wacker Mödling until next summer. However, because the Israeli U 21s also face Germany in a pre-decisive home game in the European Championship qualifiers at the end of March, Elmkies is not expected to appear with the senior team in Sinshein, where he made his Bundesliga debut in March 2020 – in the first ever ghost game in the 3-0 defeat of Hertha BSC.