Ex-Keeper Rafi Cohen Backs Assaf Tzur for Israel Starting Spot

Former Israel national team goalkeeper Rafi Cohen spoke on Wednesday during a sports radio broadcast on 103FM ahead of the team's upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo and Austria, addressing the much-debated question of who should start in goal for manager Ran Ben Shimon.

The goalkeeping battle between Daniel Peretz and Assaf Tzur has intensified. Tzur stepped in and delivered strong performances in the last two matches following Peretz's injury, though Peretz is widely expected to reclaim the starting spot on Saturday.

Sharing his perspective on the national team's primary goalkeeper dilemma, Cohen stated: "Our current situation in the goalkeeping department is excellent. If you ask me who I think should play in the upcoming match, based on my instincts and what happened after Assaf played, I would personally go with Assaf, even though Daniel is an amazing goalkeeper."

Cohen added: "Assaf has made tremendous progress and proves himself every Saturday. Daniel also proves himself in the English second tier, but situations happen—he went out due to injury, and Assaf came in and did the job properly. Listen, it is a pleasant headache for the coaching staff."

When asked to compare the two shot-stoppers directly, Cohen noted: "If we look at all parameters, experience and everything included, Daniel has the edge, but not by two or three levels. Assaf has been taking his steps in the national team very well recently, and I believe he truly deserves to get the opportunity."