Ozzy Neav
Sport Club Ashdod, the southern most club in the Israeli Premier League, is experiencing a year of bitter disappointment and professional uncertainty. One of the few bright spots this season for coach Alon Hazan and his underachieving squad has been the play of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Ivanov Makriev. The tall striker, who joined the club in January from NK Maribor, has struck eight goals in just 13 appearances for Ashdod thus far. Makriev’s level of play has certainly raised a few pessimistic eyebrows in Israel, but if you asked Ashdod Chairman Jackie Ben-Zaken, he would tell you he got exactly what he paid for.
When Makriev joined Ashdod in January, a move that some estimate cost Ashdod over €1 million, the back pages were not exactly glowing with endorsements. Most pundits assumed that this was the natural process that most clubs involved in bloody relegation wars go through during the mid season transfer window. It appeared as if Ben Zaken and co-owner Haim Revivo were simply grasping at straws in a vain attempt to improve their club’s fortunes. While some gawked at the price tag, critics chalked it up to nothing more than desperation and certain sentimentality that often induces wealthy football club owners to make ludicrous financial transactions. Makriev however, has been a tremendous success and any chance of S.C Ashdod surviving another season in the top flight rests squarely on his shoulders.
Strengths
Makriev is physically blessed and standing 191cm in height, with a broad frame and strikes an imposing figure for misfortunate center-backs who are assigned to defend against him. Makriev is fast and his ability to muscle defenders off the ball has forced opposing clubs to use double coverage on him, with limited success. It is this combination of physical prowess, both on and off the ball that has altered coach Hazan’s game plan. Ashdod will often lob a long ball in to the box, with Makriev being the lone target. While this method is somewhat archaic, it has worked reasonably well. Opposing teams are often forced to leave an extra midfielder or defender behind to ensure that Makriev doesn’t break through the defensive line en route to the goal. Makriev is also proficient at playing with his back to the net. His ability to direct long balls into precision passing is a bonus to his ability to strike the ball from 14 to 18 meters while turning to face the goal. Makriev also has a sterling header and a quick release.
Weaknesses
Makriev has difficulty controlling the ball in tight spaces. His effectiveness rapidly diminishes when the sixteen-yard box is crowded. He also can’t turn on a dime; a glaring weakness for a target-man type striker who is positioned with his back to the goal. Instead of a quick turn, he is forced to take a two step shuffle before shooting, making the lives of stationary defenders much easier. Makriev also appears to be mentally weak at times, which makes his finishing from close range suspect and his late game effectiveness sub-par. Makriev sometimes seems disinterested with on pitch events. While this may be attributed to his rather stoic appearance, it does raise the question of his dedication to Ashdod and the amount of fighting spirit and grit he actually possess.
Future
There is a distinct difference between a big club and small club striker. The skills required differ greatly, as well as the mind set. Makriev is undoubtedly a big club striker and with champions Beitar Jerusalem hot on his heels, there is a chance that Makriev will soon be able to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in the country. The problem with SC Ashdod’s formation is that Makriev is left to fend for himself as a solitary striker. While Ashdod does play with a second deep lying forward, a striker like Makriev would benefit greatly from playing alongside a speedy winger with good ball control. As long as he has a strong supporting cast around him, it appears as if Makriev is destined to become an above average European striker. Regardless of which division Ashdod play in next season; look for Makriev to join a big Israeli club, or an average sized one in Europe.
