Eyal Berkovic — Israeli footballer and creative midfielder

Playing style and characteristics

Berkovic was noted for his compact build, quick thinking and excellent ball control. He acted as a traditional number 10 or deep-lying playmaker at times, linking midfield and attack with incisive through-passes and crosses. Observers often praised his awareness in crowded areas, his ability to read runs, and his proficiency from dead-ball situations.

Club career highlights

He began his senior career in Israel before moving to the United Kingdom, where he played for several prominent clubs. Major stops in his club career included:

• Maccabi Haifa — early development and domestic success in Israel.
• Southampton — first significant spell in English football.
• Celtic — a brief spell in Scotland.
• Manchester City — influential period in the English leagues.
• West Ham United — one of his best-known Premier League clubs.

Across these teams Berkovic was often deployed to unlock defences and supply forwards. His transfers drew attention both for his on-field contributions and for occasional off-field controversy or personality clashes, a feature not uncommon among highly competitive creative players.

International career

At international level Berkovic represented Israel, earning selection over many years and serving as one of the more recognizable figures in the national squad. He combined experience gained in domestic and British leagues to influence younger teammates and to raise the profile of Israeli football abroad.

After football and legacy

Following retirement from playing, Berkovic remained involved in football in various capacities, including media work and roles connected to player management and club administration. He is remembered for his craftsmanship as a passer and chance-maker rather than as a prolific goalscorer, and for being among the more prominent Israeli exports to British football in his era.

Notable facts: Berkovic is frequently cited as an example of a creative midfielder whose influence was measured in assists and build-up play. His career path highlights the routes available to Israeli players into European leagues and the cultural exchange between domestic and British football.