Roey Alkukin emerges as pivotal force for Hapoel Tel Aviv title push

Hapoel Tel Aviv has established itself as a serious contender in the Israeli Premier League this season, a status solidified by recent successes under head coach Elyaniv Barda. The club recently captured the Toto Cup in a dramatic derby against rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv and followed that triumph with a 2-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa. These consecutive wins have placed the team in a strong position ahead of a critical match against defending champion Hapoel Beersheba, which is scheduled for Sunday night before the international break.

Central to this upward trajectory is 22-year-old midfielder Roey Alkukin. Originally from Mevaseret Zion, Alkukin joined Hapoel Tel Aviv at the age of 15 after coming through the youth system of Beitar Jerusalem. He spent time in the second division with Maccabi Herzliya before returning to Hapoel, where he has played for three full seasons. His first full campaign in 2024/25 saw him help the club secure promotion back to the Premier League, and his contract has since been extended through the 2028/29 season.

Alkukin has made significant statistical contributions this year, recording three goals and three assists in 15 appearances across all competitions. This performance marks a notable improvement over last season, when he tallied four goals and four assists, and suggests he is on pace to surpass his previous totals as the league approaches Matchday 10. His ability to break down defenses and involve teammates has made him a key component of Barda’s tactical setup.

The coach has expressed high praise for the midfielder’s professional growth. Barda noted that Alkukin has progressed from the second division to the Premier League while maintaining a high level of training and execution. The coach highlighted the player’s intelligence on the pitch and his willingness to learn, stating that Alkukin still has a very high ceiling for development. This mentorship has been particularly focused on improving Alkukin’s movement off the ball, a skill he has actively worked on through individual video sessions and training drills.

A defining moment for Alkukin came during the recent Toto Cup final, where he scored a spectacular goal to secure the title. This victory held personal significance as it allowed him to overcome the disappointment of missing a crucial penalty in the State Cup derby the previous January. Alkukin recalled receiving a video of Roberto Baggio missing a penalty after his own miss, which served as a source of motivation. He described the goal as a dream come true and a way to give back to the fans who supported him during difficult periods.

Despite the acclaim, Alkukin remains focused on consistency and the long-term goals of the club. He emphasized that maintaining a steady level of performance is more important than reacting to individual moments of success. The midfielder acknowledged that learning to manage form and consistency has been a key lesson from the previous season, where he experienced more dips in performance than anticipated. He now aims to apply these lessons to help Hapoel remain competitive in the championship race.

Looking beyond the club level, Alkukin has his sights set on earning a call-up to the senior Israeli national team, having already represented the country at the Under-21 level. While he described this as his biggest dream, he insisted that his immediate priority is to perform well for Hapoel Tel Aviv. He believes that continued hard work and consistency will naturally lead to national team opportunities in the future, but for now, his attention is fixed on the upcoming challenge against Hapoel Beersheba.

As Hapoel Tel Aviv prepares for this top-of-the-table clash, the squad’s depth and quality are evident. The combination of experienced players and rising talents like Alkukin has created a dynamic group capable of competing with the league’s best. If the midfielder continues to develop at his current rate, he is likely to attract attention from clubs abroad, but his current focus remains on turning the team’s championship ambitions into reality through consistent performances.