Ailson Tavares: The Promising New Acquisition for Beitar Jerusalem

Introduction

Ailson Tavares, a defensive midfielder, is set to become a valuable asset for Beitar Jerusalem FC. His arrival carries significant cost-effectiveness potential, much like the club’s recent signing of Nigerian forward Jstartbusco Kalo. Despite being 26 years old and having never played in the top flight, Tavares has garnered attention from scouts and journalists following his impressive performances in the second tier of Portuguese football.

Background and Experience

Although Tavares has escaped the limelight of top Portuguese clubs, those familiar with the second division praise his capabilities. Unlike Kalo, who is less experienced, Tavares boasts a solid football education and has demonstrated remarkable consistency over the past two years, a key quality for a player in his role.

Fans’ Affection

Supporters of F.C. Felgueiras, the modest club Tavares played for, have expressed their admiration for him. Many consider him the best player of the past season, and some even posit that he was the standout performer across the entire second division-though such opinions should be viewed with some skepticism, given the club’s modest status.

Impact on Felgueiras

Felgueiras, a small club located in northern Portugal near Porto, returned to the second division last year after a long absence. Their primary objective was survival, which they achieved comfortably by finishing mid-table with a solid defensive record. Tavares played a crucial role in this success, serving as the sole defensive midfielder in the lineup.

Playing Style and Strengths

As reported by local journalist Silvio Vieira, Felgueiras adopted an aggressive attacking style, relying on fast-paced football. Tavares, however, remained focused on defense, skillfully thwarting opposition counter-attacks. His composure on the pitch, coupled with his excellent positional awareness, made him a standout player. “The pressure on him was significant, yet he handled it superbly. He reads the game well and has the ability to progress the ball forward, even if that was not the central focus of his duties,” Vieira explains.

Technical Abilities

Another journalist, Francisco Martins, corroborates Tavares’s skills. “He has excellent positioning as a defensive midfielder and fits well into a system with more attack-oriented midfielders. He closes space behind them and recovers many balls. He can also drop back to function as a third center-back when necessary. His ability to make short passes under pressure is impressive, despite his tendency to avoid long balls,” Martins observes.

Future Potential

Recognized as a promising talent during his time at the Academica Coimbra academy, Tavares was called up to the Portugal U19 national team in 2017. He played alongside notable players like Rafael Leão, currently a star at AC Milan, and Diogo Costa, the esteemed Porto goalkeeper. “In the 1998 age group, our options for defensive midfielders were limited, so Tavares received his opportunity,” Martins adds.

Conclusion

With Tavares’s affordable acquisition, Beitar Jerusalem may have unearthed a hidden gem in the landscape of football. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, his ability to enhance both defensive stability and forward play will be closely watched. Beitar Jerusalem fans and the club’s management have every reason to feel optimistic about this promising addition