Israeli forward Dor Turgeman might be an optimistic guy by nature, but the fact that he would become a major player in one of Israeli football's most illustrious achievements in recent years is something he couldn't have foreseen in his wildest dreams.
We're talking about a 19-year-old player who had one goal to his name last season, with a total of 159 minutes of playing time. Not exactly a seasoned veteran of the sport. Still, he's expected to land in Israel and receive a hero's welcome, just in time to prepare for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, set to commence in Romania and Georgia. Scouts have already marked Turgeman as one of the best talents from the U-20 World Cup.
2 View gallery
Israeli forward Dor Turgeman has already been marked as as one of the best talents from the U-20 World Cup.
When we spoke on the way to the bus, just after Uruguay defeated Israel 1:0 in the semifinals, he was still unaware of the fact that the national team's technical manager was going to tell him to pack his things and fly back to join the team headed to the Euros, along with a few other players from the U-20 squad.
"Finishing the tournament like that is somewhat disappointing," he says. "We're proud of the path we've taken."
Turgeman shares the honors of Israel's best player in the tournament with defender Stav Lemkin, mostly due to his wondergoal against Brazil. "I saw it a million times," he says in a special interview with Ynet's sister publication, Yedioth Ahronoth. "I heard it being broadcasted in many languages, but the most exciting was definitely Hebrew."
You played for 159 minutes this season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. You went from a poster child to a superstar.
"All the training sessions with Maccabi have improved my skill. I learned a lot about football and life in general from Eran Zahavi, including the importance of waiting for the right shot."
Let's say you're not the most talented generation, but you did give Israel a lot of hope. What is unique about you?
"Belief in ourselves. (Coach) Ofir Haim instilled us with the faith in our ability to defeat any opponent. We were not inferior to Uruguay in the semifinals, but we lost because of a bad pitch."
You spoke of Ofir Haim. What is his added value?
"He's like my big brother. I can talk to him about anything. He's very open and he understands me, probably because he was also a forward."
The World Cup gave you a major push.
"About time. I worked very hard for it. When I'm training or playing, I let everything go. That said, I feel the vibe from Israel cheering us on and I'm glad we made a lot of people happy, especially in these complicated times."
Even before all that, (Portuguese football club) Benfica Lisbon designated a spot for you in their reserve team.
"It was flattering. Some scouts saw me at my best and I'm sure I gave them plenty to think about."
Do you wish to stay with Maccabi after this?
"What I want to do in Maccabi is play, but I don't determine the starting 11."
How do you feel after a season of just 159 minutes of playing time?
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I want to play a central role, whether with Maccabi or overseas."
You dad says you're just as good as Eran Zahavi.
"I'm not, but he's my role model."
Most players in the squad don't regularly play in their respective teams. Are the coaches scared of trying them out?
"I don't know about that, but young players need more playing time to prove themselves. Playing a national tournament here and there is not enough. I hope their coaches understand they're trustworthy."
Club owners have decided to increase the number of allowed foreigners to seven.
"That's not my area, but I'm sure those that play best play most. I see how my squadmates play and they're as worthy to a spot just as much as I am. We need to feature more prominently in Israeli football. We had an exciting moment in Argentina and I want it to last in Israel."
After scoring you exposed a writing on your wristband that commemorated those killed in Egyptian border shooting.
"We woke up to the news about the Egypt attack. It was hard. The coach told us it's very important for us to give the country some happiness, so I took initiative. My small contribution to the national mood."