MGB ready to sparkle at European Maccabi Football Trophy

The MGB squad features three players – Mordi Weiler, Josh Harris and Dudi Edreyi from league champions Hendon United, as well as Daniel Bean from Division Two winners Fairlop.

Hamme commented: “The morale around the team is great which has made the process for everyone really enjoyable so far.

“It’s important that we maintain this heading into the tournament as a strong chemistry within the team will put us in a great position heading into the tournament.”

Coach Sapler remarked: “It’s a talented squad and I have no doubt that if we play to our potential we will return home with medals, having also experienced a great weekend mixing with the Jewish communities from our European friends.”

MGB, who hosted the 2014 event, have a strong history in the event. They won the open football competition in 2010 and were runners-up in 2014. They also won the Open Futsal tournament the same year and brought home the silver medal in both the Football and Futsal tournaments in the Costa del Sol in 2016.

SQUAD:

Adam Abadi

Daniel Bean

Joshua Bharier

Dudi Edreyi

Aron Gale

Joshua Harris

Richard Hayim

Gabriel Krieger

Joshua Tiano

Grant Waissel

Scott Waissel

Mordy Weiler

Manager: Brandon Hammé

Head coach: Jordan Sapler

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SQUAD PROFILES

GOALKEEPER:

GRANT WAISSEL

Age: 27

Club: Maccabi Gibraltar

Grant is of the three members of the squad that took part in the last EMFT competition that saw Maccabi Team GB win silver. His stature and presence in goal make him difficult to beat and is also quick off his line to pick up any crucial interceptions. His experience in previous tournaments playing both Futsal and Football will prove to be a valuable asset to the side.

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DEFENDERS:

GABRIEL KRIEGER (CB)

Age: 23

Club: Los Blancos

Gabriel is one who never shies away from a tackle, will often come out best in a 50:50 battle and commands from the back. He has the stature of Wes Morgan, the defensive ability of Andrea Barzagli and is as comfortable on the ball as Jan Vertonghen. A very well-rounded defender.

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JOSHUA BHARIER (CB/CDM)

Age: 25

Club: North London Raiders

Brandon Hamme saw “great potential” in Joshua as a centre back, saying: “he has all the qualities that a modern-day centre-back possess. He’s strong, reads the game well and can comfortably play the ball out from the back”. Josh often says he “loves running” and his passion for running comes across on the pitch. He will often able to make last-ditch tackles and interceptions and is calmness personified on the ball.

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JOSHUA TIANO (RB/LB)

Age: 29

Club: Camden Park

A no-nonsense defender, he knows his job and plays his role to perfection. He is also a great crosser of the ball, he often delivers crosses with great precision, power and accuracy. He has stated in the past that he learnt a lot from watching former Spurs and South Korean international full back Lee Young-Pyo at a younger age and it’s clear to see he has picked up some defensive mannerisms that Young-Pyo had back in his glory days.

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MORDY WEILER (RB/LB)

Age: 21

Club: Hendon United

The definition of a modern-day full-back, he is great both defensively and going forward. He proved so in a warm-up game against a Mill Hill Dons Select XI when he managed to pick up three assists and a goal all from the full-back position. He often finds himself with the ball at his feet running into the box and will cause defenders nightmares throughout. Despite pressing high up the pitch, he is very rarely caught out at the back as he is able to track back quickly. Mordy is one of the two vice-captains in the side and was one of the three members of the Hendon United team that won the MGBSFL Premier Division in the EMFT squad.

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RICHARD HAYIM (RB/LB)

Age: 24

Club: Mill Hill Dons

Mr Versatile. Under Hamme’s management at both Mill Hill Dons and Maccabi GB, he has played in every single position possible. His versatile nature makes him a valuable member of the side. He has also shown in the warm-up games that he possesses great crossing ability, which has led to five assists in our first three games. He is comfortable on the ball often looking to take on opposition and often coming out best. He looks to have cemented his place as one of the team’s set-piece takers.

MIDFIELDERS:

ADAM ABADI (CM)

Age: 21

Club: London Lions Blue

There is a bit confusion in the camp as to whether Adam will be participating in the tournament. There have been several rumblings that he has been approached by the Love Island producers to appear in this summer’s reality show but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. The MGB squad “all have our fingers crossed that he will be with us come June 15” because he is a superb well-rounded box-to-box midfielder. Abadi is both solid defensively as well as going forward as well, he often times tackles to perfection and shows he’s most definitely not afraid to get stuck in. He shows he can be a threat going forward as well, he has shown his clinical side in front of goal in the warm-up matches.

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DANIEL BEAN (CDM)

Age: 24

Club: Fairlop

Often referred to as the Jewish N’Golo Kante, and it’s easy to see why. He has an engine that even Mo Farah would be jealous of and will often pick up any loose passes and interceptions in the middle of the park. He runs non-stop for 90 minutes and leaves it all on the pitch. His on the ball ability is also something you can’t look past, he can ping a 30-yard ball from sideline to sideline with ease.Two thirds of earth is covered by water the rest is covered by Daniel Bean.

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DUDI EDREYI (CM)

Age: 22

Club: Hendon United

Another member of the title-winning Hendon United side, his energetic and hardworking attitude make him a great asset to the side. At ease with the ball at his feet and often comes into his own in the second half because when that’s when he turns up. He has a good passing range, has got the ability to score from long-range and will often be able to sniff out any loose passes. If you watch a game, you don't see Dudi. But if you watch Dudi, you will see the whole game.
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JOSH HARRIS (CM)

Age: 23

Club: Hendon United

Captain, skipper, legend. Played a key role in Hendon United’s MGBSFL title triumph. His passing ability, quick feet and his superior tackling ability make him a complete midfielder. His reading of the game and his vision help him command any midfield battle. His passion, clever footballing mind and impressive oratory skills made him the perfect choice to be captain of the side.

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FORWARDS:

ARON GALE (CAM/ST)

Age:18

Club: Straw Hat Pirates

With six goals in the team’s first three warm-up games, Aron will fancy his chances of picking up the EMFT Golden Boot. The youngest member of the squad but he has shown the maturity and quality to lead the line for Team GB. He will often get the better of defenders in aerial battles and his upper body strength enable him to hold-up play and get other attackers involved in play. Good feet for a big man.

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OLIVER SADE (CAM/ST)

Age: 27

Club: Los Blancos

Brings a wealth experience from playing at a high level. He has everything in his locker to be a game-changer for the team. He possesses lots of flair and creativity that can unlock a defence. He isn’t afraid to take on a man and his quick feet make it impossible for the defence to get hold of him. He could make to be a difference in Hungary.

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SCOTT WAISSEL (RW/LW)

Age: 22

Club: North London Raiders

Younger brother of goalkeeper Grant, Scott was also a member of the team that won silver for Team GB in the EMFT in Spain two years ago. His pace and quick feet are bound to cause defenders problems in Hungary. When he plays on snow, he doesn't leave any footprints. He possesses a thunderbolt of a strike, which could see him find the goal sheet on several occasions this summer.

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