Noam Ben Harush marked his 40th appearance for Maccabi in all competitions with a stern performance during the 4-1 victory away to Be’ersheva. Ben Harush, who joined Maccabi at the start of last last season from Hapoel Haifa, and normally operates as a right-back, played on the left side of defense in a match where Kenny Miller’s side steamrolled their opponents. Ben Harush was named by Miller as the replacement of Roy Revivo who was bought by Spanish side Elche while new signing James Tavernier stepped into the right-back role. When both teams met at Turner last season, Ben Harush featured as a central midfielder yet Maccabi ended up on the losing end. This time round, Maccabi convincingly beat Be’ersheva as Ben Harush reflected at the end: “4-1, that’s not something you take for granted. We feel great, we played really well. It’s so much fun to come back home and give the fans a good feeling, to drive home in the traffic with a good feeling. We’re ready for the derby.”

 

On his new position at Maccabi, Ben Harush said: “There have been a few other times when I’ve played in this position, including against Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer and in Europe. I’ve played in this role before. Whatever position Maccabi ask me to play, I’ll play. Last year at Turner I played as a defensive midfielder and had a good game. Whatever position they give me, I’ll play. I felt great.”

On the effect Revivo’s departure might have on paving his way into the starting lineup, Ben Harush said: “As I said, I’ll take every opportunity I’m given with both hands and give everything I have in every training session and every game, and prove to my coach that I should be playing.”

As well as conceding the right-back position to Tavernier, Ben Harush also handed the veteran Englishman his number 2 jersey while he switched to 22. But the young full-back is more than happy to be able to learn from the former Rangers captain, as he summed up: “Like everyone else, I think he’s a high-level player. I can take it in the best possible way and learn from him.