After returning from a successful Youth International break, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will meet SC Ashdod on Saturday at Kiryat Shalom, 11:00. Eden Kartzev will also be rejoining his team after helping the Israel Under-17 National Team advance to the Elite Round recording three victories. The young midfielder plays a very physical game with an extremely hard and accurate shot that has already helped him score a number of goals to date.

Even before playing in the most recent UEFA tournament, Eden Kartzev made a bit of history breaking the all time appearance record for the Israel Under-17 club playing in 22 matches: “I just came back this week from a terrific tournament with the Israel National Team. We reached our goal and I’m back in good shape. I even had the opportunity to return from the International break and train with the First Team. On Saturday I’ll return to the Under-19 squad for a contest against Ashdod. It wasn’t my first or second time with the National Team. It’s a fantastic feeling to put on the Blue & White of the National Team and it’s a lot of fun to see how I’ve been improving. You get seen at these competitions and it’s a terrific stage to continue to advance.”

Being promoted from the Under-16 side to the Under-19 club:

Football Federation of Ukraine

Football Federation of Ukraine ()


“It’s wasn’t easy for me at the beginning because there were players that were 3-4 years older than me. I didn’t realize where I was at the start but I acclimated and my teammates accepted me with open arms. I’m really happy as to how everything unfolded. Ziv Arie, the coach who brought me to the Under-19’s spoke to me a lot and said that it didn’t matter to him if I was the youngest or the oldest but that he believed in my abilities.”

About being a youngster and playing a very important position:

“It’s fun to play on a club that’s a year older than me as it helps me improve on a personal level and with my team play. It shows that they really rely on me and it’s great. I trained with the First Team this week and that’s another way where you can advance and improve at Maccabi. You see players who you just dream about playing with them and then all of a sudden you’re training with them. Anything and everything can happen. If you’re good in this match or that match, they hear about you and then you make your debut. The sky’s the limit.”

On Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv’s season so far:
קארצב
“We had a few issues at the beginning of the season because of the change in staff. It took time to get used to Patrick and the rest of the new staff that came in but now we really feel like we are progressing. Maccabi’s goal is to promote as many players as possible to the First Team. To win the championship or cup is a big goal.”

Relationship with his father:

“My father raised me from a very early age and wanted me to go as far as possible. He told me ‘Whatever path you choose go all the way or don’t go at all’. I was able to get to where I am today together with the help of other professionals and I still have plenty to aspire to.”

Other things outside of football:

“I’m very interested in sport behavior, nutrition and proper rest. Maccabi has plenty of professionals that understand these topics and I can learn a lot from them.”