Uri Uzan

Uzan, a reliable right-sided defender, was part of the talented group of Netanya natives that led the team from second division obscurity to Premier League top half credibility and is now a starter for Maccabi Haifa. On the Israeli National team, Uzan looks set to replace Alon Harazi as the squad's right back in the not-too-distant future.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Dec. 27, 1978

Career Highlights:
Uzan broke into the Maccabi Netanya team from the youth system at the start of the 1997-98 season. That year, the "Diamonds" pushed for promotion, but could only manage a fourth place finish. Uzan played a more central role at right back during the successful 1998-99 promotion campaign.

During the 1999-2000 season, Uzan took his first steps in the Israeli Premier League, establishing himself as a starter in Uri Malmilian's team. By 2000-01, Uri was one of the better players on the team, although he scored only one goal while Netanya climbed to a credible seventh place finish. Last year, Netanya finished in the same league position while Uri scored a single goal.

In 2002-03, Uzan enjoyed the best season of his career. Coach Gili Landau played him on the right flank and he delivered 3 goals and 2 assists while receiving a call up to the national team. Netanya finished in fourth place to the delight of their loyal fans.

Uri was starting right-back for Netanya in its disastrous 2003-04 campaign. The defender watched in despair as his hometown club tumbled to the bottom of the table and was relegated from an eleventh place position. Uzan started 31 league games and scored three goals while making three assists.

The relegation setback did not taint Uzan's reputation and he was signed by Maccabi Haifa. The right-back is expected to start for the league champions in 2004-05.

Origin:
Netanya, Israel

Career Dates:
1997-present

Position:
Right back

Career Statistics:
4 caps