He is a very young player with continental European experience, excellent technique, and poise. He fights like a bulldog when he plays. He has a mean left foot. He is saying he prefers to represent the land of his birth. I think it's worth Bruce's time to fly to Belgium in April and see what's up.
Might be good timing, as Gent will be in the league playoffs and it'd be a good chance at seeing Saief in games that count for something.
I watched all his Champions League minutes from 2015 last December and reviewed them (above). I don't buy the line that "we have better options in attacking midfield." He is not an attacking midfielder. He will tend towards the base of midfield as his career goes on. Wingback, 6, maybe 8, left back, stay-home left mid. He is very left footed. He is in the range of 18-23 in our talent pool right now IMHO. Ask yourself is Jordan Morris that high in our player pool? Yes? Well Kenny Saief is basically the same age as Jordan Morris.
Morris is that "high" because we're very thin at striker. Are we similarly thin at midfield? I think the answer is "no". Maybe get him in for the Gold Cup, see where he's at.
Worth noting that Israel is grouped with Spain and Italy in UEFA qualifying for 2018, and only two teams move on from the current stage (more or less -- there's a runner-up ranking). If they were to make it to Russia, or even out of this phase, with or without Kenny, it would be one of the big surprises of the campaign.
He is Israeli but not Jewish. He is Druze. Being a minority sometimes leaves people feeling less a part of the whole, depending how they are treated.
It also appears there may be some bias against players who play mostly overseas. Could be coach, could be federation. But he's not getting called in, which causes him to speak out, which causes the coach to not call him in, etc.
appreciate the reply. I'm quite underwhelming in knowledge toward Jewish population or Israelis. But the Druze are Arab Israelis right?
Sorta: Druze: a member of a political and religious sect of Islamic origin, living chiefly in Lebanon and Syria. The Druze broke away from the Ismaili Muslims in the 11th century; they are regarded as heretical by the Muslim community at large.
So based on what I'm hearing on History channel right now, Kenny may actually be Soccer (playing descendant of) Jesus. Druze DNA identified on the Shroud of Turin. #caphimnow
Returns from injury, on the bench today: 📋 Opstellingen R Charleroi SC - KAA Gent #chagnt #PO1 #COBW pic.twitter.com/gubudtym4Y— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) April 17, 2017
On the bench: 👥 Ploegopstellingen #GntKvo pic.twitter.com/abrjxIA4TI— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) April 21, 2017
Back into the starting lineup: 📋 Line-up KAA Gent vs SV Zulte Waregem #zwagnt #PO1 #COBW pic.twitter.com/ta0tIwrQOM— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) April 25, 2017
Starts: 📋 Line-up KAA Gent vs RSC Anderlecht #gntand #PO1 #COBW pic.twitter.com/hB5k9rYsfb— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) April 30, 2017
I really think the Gold Cup is when you take your shot at him, especially with Israel basically being done for Russia. It's a low risk tournament, that gives you a chance to gauge his attitude towards the team. Do we know if Jurgen or now Bruce ever made a move at him?
13': GOOAL !! Een voorzet-schot van Saief valt over Dutoit in de verste hoek binnen: 0-1 !! #kvognt #PO1 pic.twitter.com/5n6tH74Kxe— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) May 7, 2017 Goal Kenneth
It was likely intended as a cross, but it came off as a chip over the goaltender from a ridiculous angle. Probably ten yards from the end line, and just inside the box on the left side. This was news to me this morning, but apparently 11Sports (channel 597 for my Verizon Fios brethren) now shows the Belgian league.
Started and I think went 90 in a 1-1 tie: 📋 Line-up KAA Gent 🆚 @SportCharleroi #gntcha #PO1 #COBW pic.twitter.com/sR8yR0ZAYL— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) May 14, 2017
Starts: 📋 Line-up KAA Gent 🆚 @ESSEVEELIVE #gntzwa #PO1 #COBW pic.twitter.com/0CvMlsGigx— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) May 18, 2017