“Israeli footballers are more technical than English ones”

Nick Blackman believes footballers in Israel are more technical than those in England.

The 27-year-old Englishman is currently at Maccabi Tel Aviv, having joined them on a season-long loan from Derby County.

Speaking to the club website after scoring in a 3-2 win over Maccabi Netanya, and of his observations of the Israeli league, he said: “It’s a very, very strong league. The players are so technical. More technical than the average in England for sure. 100% more technical.”

Also talking about their start to the season, with Monday night’s win seeing the club to a third straight win, he said: “It’s important that we showed a good attitude from the minute one, until the final whistle,” Blackman told the club’s website after the game.

“Everyone has the ability but that’s not the most important thing; the attitude is the most important thing.

“I always believe in myself I always give 100% every game, like the rest of the players. This is the most important thing.”