Daniel Peretz: Who is Bayern Munich's new Israeli goalkeeper?
Bayern Munich have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the signing of talented stopper Daniel Peretz, a man who has already given Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam nightmares due to his heroics with Israel at the 2023 UEFA European U21 Championship.
Data correct as of 25 August 2023
Age: 23 (born: 10 July 2000)
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Israel (1 cap)
Key stats
Peretz introduced himself to German football fans with a Player of the Match performance at the 2023 U21 Euros, denying both Moukoko and Ngankam from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw. Already a full Israel international by then having featured in senior squads since October 2021 and making his debut against Cyprus on 20 November 2022, Peretz went to the Championships as one of Israel's over-age players. His presence paid off in fine fashion as Peretz also saved a crucial penalty in the quarter-final shootout victory over Georgia, but suspension robbed him of the chance to play hero once again in the semis as Israel came up short against eventual winners England.
The 6'2" goalkeeper had gone to the U21 Euros with a growing reputation, after quickly emerging as boyhood club Maccabi Tel Aviv's number one. Maccabi clearly had great faith in Peretz from the get-go, handing him his first-team debut in the final of the 2020/21 Toto Cup Al as a 2-0 shutout earned the team victory in what is essentially Israel's league cup competition. Since then, Peretz - who also spent a season on loan with Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam in 2019/20 and not only saved a couple of penalties but in fact scored two himself - chalked up 101 appearances for Maccabi and kept 44 clean sheets at a whopping average of 43 percent. He has also featured in 24 UEFA club competition fixtures - including qualifying rounds - and helped Maccabi reach the knockout stages of the 2021/22 Europa Conference League.
Plays a bit like: Iker Casillas
Peretz is a masterful shot-stopper, as highlighted by his pentalty expertise and his YouTube highlight reels that show the young 'keeper flying from corner to corner repelling shots. He is also a highly modern 'keeper in that he is excellent with the ball at his feet and pinpoint with his distribution. Look out for the short-sleeved shirts, too, which immediately bring to mind great goalies of the '90s and, as a package, Peretz makes for exciting viewing.
Did you know?
Peretz could have represented Germany as he holds a German passport. He has one by virtue of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestral roots, which will have been even more appealing for Bayern when it comes to both domestic and continental squad registration.
Nevertheless, he's the first Israeli to sign for the Bavarians - a historic moment for the club, who have strong Jewish roots and count among their 17 founders Benno Elkan, a Dortmund native who designed the bronze menorah that stands outside the Israeli parliament. Peretz will be the 11th Israeli to appear in the Bundesliga.
What they're saying
“With Daniel Peretz, we’re very well equipped in our goalkeeping team in terms of prospects – both for this season and the future. Daniel is a goalkeeper with great potential. In his young years he’s already proven his ability not just at domestic level but also in international competitions.” - Bayern CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen
"The progress Daniel made over the years through the path he took led him to the place he is today. We are certain that the combination of hard work and perseverance together with Daniel's talent would lead us all to success." - Maccabi Tel Aviv's head of football, Baratz Itzhaki
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