Gershon, Shimon

Gershon is a terrific defender who may anchor the Israeli national team for years to come. Shimon is also the solid base of the excellent Hapoel Tel Aviv team of recent years. He's known as a remarkably intelligent player, uncannily creative for a defender, as well as being a reliable dead-ball kicker.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 10, 1977

Career Highlights:
Gershon came up with Hapoel Tel Aviv and has remained with the club ever since. He first saw action in the mediocre enviroment of mid-1990s Hapoel, and was considered an ordinary prospect until, with time, his intelligence began to shine through. He became a star during the excellent 1999-2000 "double" season, and became a fixture in the national team that year. Soon after that, Gershon was made captain of the Reds.

In 2001-02, Shimon led Hapoel to the greatest achievement in its history. Hapoel reached the UEFA Cup quarterfinals by beating Chelsea, Parma and Lokomotiv Moscow before falling to A.C. Milan. Gershon scored a crucial penalty against Chelsea and conceded a goal against Milan. During this off-season, Gershon was on trial at Everton and Blackburn but failed to make the grade. During the 2002-03 Israel League season, Gershon -- Hapoel's captain -- was injured during much of the year and scored one goal as Hapoel finished third in the league.

In 2003-04 Shimon was one of very few rays of light in Hapoel Tel-Aviv's miserable season. The highly rated "reds" placed fifth in the Premier League and their defense was uncharacteristically leaky, though Gershon helped alleviate that problem. The defender scored 5 goals (five were penalties) in 30 league appearances.

Origin:
Tel Aviv, Israel

Position:
Central defender or sweeper

Career Statistics:
28 caps/ 2 goals

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