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Premiership? These days, Tal looks more Fantasy League

November 24, 2016 20:46

ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro

3 min read

What has happened to Tal Ben Haim? He looked more Maccabi League than Premier League on Rosh Hashanah, when Gabriel Agbonlahor outfoxed him to score the all-important second goal in Aston Villa’s win against Portsmouth.

It was all a far cry from the Ben Haim who made a name for himself when he arrived on British shores, playing for Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2004.

Defensive errors have become part and parcel of his game since he moved to Chelsea. Fernando Torres roasted the Israeli at Anfield a couple of seasons ago and a goal cost him his place under Jose Mourinho and spelt the beginning of the end at Chelsea. He made just 13 appearances in a year at Stamford Bridge.

After moving to Manchester City, he was soon on loan to Sunderland. Moving to Portsmouth during the summer, it was clear that, like David James, he would get much practice in a team that look doomed. Watching him in action for Israel in the friendly against Northern Ireland, he has certainly lost his aura.