When Maccabi Haifa announced the addition of Jose Rodriguez this summer, many eyebrows were raised. The Spanish midfielder did not stand out in his only season in the country, in the Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform and after a short time returned to Spain and played in the sub-league. Despite this, Barak Bachar believed in him and his abilities, It seems that the two made the right decision.
Except for the game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, in all the games in which the Spanish midfielder completed 90 minutes, Maccabi Haifa won. His offensive contribution is marginal (cooking in 16 appearances), but most of the attacks start with him and he is considered one of the best rescuers in the rival territory in the league. He is ranked tenth in the league in this category with 25 saves in the rival territory, making it difficult for the rivalry to develop a ball movement against the Greens. He is ranked 13th in the league with precise dedication, with only three ties ahead of him.
Above all, it seems that Maccabi Haifa’s pressure game is lacking in its absence. In a 1: 0 loss to MS. Ashdod it was noticeable. It was not the same Maccabi Haifa press, aggressive, that moves a ball with confidence and saves in the opponent’s area. Against Hapoel Haifa, he returns to the squad and is supposed to give Bachar peace in the center of the field.
“Glazer more aggressive, Rodriguez strong in driving the game”
“Quite surprisingly, the importance of Jose Rodriguez is in the possibility that it allows Barak Bachar to send Neta Lavi forward,” the commentator analyzes Eyal Lachman“Maccabi Haifa is more stable when Neta Lavi plays 50-50 or in other words, when someone else takes the role of back midfielder, and that is Jose Rodriguez. The Spaniard is the Greens’ best and only back player.”
Apart from the professional aspect, Rodriguez also adapted well to the social aspect in Haifa, in contrast to the period in Tel Aviv. Yuval Shpongin: “His English was not so good. It was not easy for him because he came with a resume and did not play in all the games.” The one who played at his expense was the one who wanted him in Haifa. “In his role, Alberman played. We played with one back contact and two connections in front of him. He is more of a back contact, the position at Maccabi Haifa suits him. He is quiet with the ball and technical,” Shpongin added.
The period of the Spaniard at Maccabi Tel Aviv, as mentioned, is not remembered as particularly successful. Shpongin: “He came with a lot of expectations to the team he wanted. Today he is more mature and knows the Israeli league better. His attitude was good, but sometimes things don’t connect. “Despite the similar role, Fongin claims there are big differences between Rodriguez and the rival’s back-to-back title:” Glazer is more aggressive, their style is different. Jose’s strengths are more with the ball and the propulsion of the game. “
Maccabi Haifa greatly appreciates the Spanish midfielder, who also receives praise from the crowd, who cannot see him up close on the pitches. “Thank you for the love you give me, I’m glad there are people who appreciate hard work and not just dribbles or goals,” he told several in a recent conversation. Barak Bachar himself added before the derby about Rodriguez: “He is an excellent player and he has proven it.”
On Rodriguez’s resume is a championship with Real Madrid, but he is not a partner in any league game. This year he has the opportunity for the first time in his career to swing the championship plate, and return it to Carmel after a decade. For that to happen he needs to dominate the center of the field tonight against the city rival.
