Khalaili can surpass Berkovic and Benayoun | User Content
We haven't had a player with this set of tools for a long time: exceptional athleticism, power, speed, game intelligence, and the ability to influence both sides of the pitch. It is safe to bet that Crystal Palace will not be the winger's last stop in his career. Do you have something to say too? Send us columns to the address: kick@ynet.co.il
It is happening: Anan Khalaili is joining Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old Israeli winger is ending his Belgian adventure after two successful seasons, during which he became one of the team's most important players, primarily in the role of an attacking wing-back. The numbers tell part of the story: 14 goals and 15 assists in two years at Union Saint-Gilloise. However, the traits that make Khalaili such an interesting player are not always immediately obvious. He is fast, technical, a good passer, and physically and mentally strong. In Belgium, he proved he could handle one of the most demanding roles on the pitch—an attacking wing-back in a five-man line, required to cover vast areas, join the attack, and track back quickly for defensive duties.
Khalaili is an exceptional talent. A graduate of the Maccabi Haifa youth academy, he recorded 21 goal involvements (15 goals and 6 assists in all competitions) in his only season with the senior team. It is no coincidence that Italian champions Inter were willing to invest 25 million euros to sign him—a significant sum for a young Israeli player. When that deal fell through due to strict regulations in Italy, Khalaili showed another trait that will serve him well: he did not break. He returned to work, continued to progress, and now the Conference League winners are betting on him.
Beyond the numbers, his toolbox is extensive. Khalaili crosses well, knows how to enter the box, and is dangerous in the air and with shots from distance. Above all, his physicality stands out. The move to the Premier League will pose a much greater challenge than anything he has known, but this very trait may help him adapt to English football.
My prediction—purely an opinion—is that Khalaili will become the greatest Israeli footballer to emerge from here, capable of surpassing the paths taken by Eyal Berkovic and Yossi Benayoun. The reason is simple: we haven't had a player with such a package in a long time. Exceptional athleticism, power, speed, game intelligence, and the ability to influence both sides of the pitch. With the expected sale of Daniel Munoz, a path may open for him into the lineup of an attacking English side. The responsibility is now on him to prove that his talent is enough for the highest level. If my prediction is correct, Crystal Palace will not be the last stop for Anan Khalaili; it will only be the first in England.
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