AGONA Scouting Report: Who is new Olympiacos midfielder Bibars Natcho
Olympiacos pulled off another strong signing this summer transfer window, pinching 30-year old Israeli midfielder Bibars Natcho on a free. In connection with the news, AGONAsport analyses his career to date.
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HISTORY MAKER
Whatever happens in the future, Bibars Natcho has eternally etched his name into Israeli football’s history books. On March 24, 2018, the talented midfielder became the first Muslim and Circassian player to captain Israel’s national team, wearing the armband in a 1:2 defeat to Romania. The moment came just a few days after his father Akram, who wished for Natcho to become the leader of the Israeli football team, passed away following a heart attack out of the blue. Natcho commented on the importance of honouring his wishes: “It’s a great honour for me to be national team captain, it was one of my dad’s wishes. I have always known what he wanted from me. My dad’s influence on me was immense, he thought that I should be a leader everywhere I go.”
Born in the Circassian city of Kfar Kama, Natcho immediately showed signs of his footballing promise as a child and was snapped up by Hapoel Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s largest clubs. Progressing through the club’s academy, he stayed there until 2010, competing in 91 official matches with the senior side and scoring nine markers along the way.
FIRST TASTE OF FOOTBALL OUTSIDE ISRAEL
In 2010, Russian outfit Rubin Kazan came calling, luring Natcho to the Tatarstan region by paying Hapoel Tel Aviv 650 thousand euros for his services. To be honest, no one in Europe was overly familiar with Natcho’s ability, however he quickly adapted to the game in Russia and fixed himself into the Rubin starting line-up.
As time passed, Natcho gradually transformed into a leading midfielder in the Russian Premier League, bossing the middle of the park with Rubin and popping up with the odd goal. In the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 campaigns, the Israeli registered nine league markers, offering an attacking threat not only with his killer passes, but also with the knack of hitting the target ruthlessly and bursting into the penalty area. Later, he was included in the 2013/2014 UEFA Europa League team of the season, as UEFA described him as “Probably Rubin’s top performer over the last three years, the Israeli international dominates midfield, supplies assists and delivers great set-pieces.”
MOVE TO PAOK
Having spent four successful years with Rubin, Natcho’s contract with the Russians reached its conclusion and he transferred to PAOK in January 2014, where he would stay put for six months. Famous for his assists, he made five in just 17 Super League matches, but he never seemed to feel at home in Thessaloniki and when the season ended, Natcho opted to leave the Dikefalos tou Vorra.
Overall, he participated in 16 Super League matches, contributing with three goals and five assists. Natcho harboured hope of moving to a top European championship, but he eventually agreed to travel back to Russia, penning a four-year deal with CSKA Moscow.
SUCCESS IN MOSCOW
Already boasting vast knowledge of the Russian game, the midfield maestro had no problems fitting in at CSKA Moscow, rarely putting a foot wrong and cleverly pulling the strings. After winning a Russian Cup and Super Cup with Rubin, Natcho completed the full set in Moscow, claiming the 2015/2016 Russian Premier League after he scored twice in 20 championship fixtures.
Interestingly, Natcho got on the scoresheet in a UEFA Champions League match against AEK Athens in the 2017/2018 season, bundling the ball over the line in a 1:0 CSKA triumph at the VEB Arena.
PLAYING STYLE
A true box-to-box midfielder, he is an expert at carrying possession, moving the ball forward and creating chances for the attackers. Natcho is fantastic with free-kicks too, boasting the ability to whip the ball into the box with danger. His creativity will certainly give more Olympiacos more quality in midfield and opposing teams in the Super League won’t find it easy to intimidate the calm, composed Natcho.
He will compete with Andreas Bouchalakis and Mohamed Camara for a place in front of the back four. At 30 years of age, can Natcho keep on playing at such a high standard? Pedro Martins believes he will.
FUN FACT
Remember when Olympiacos defeated Rubin Kazan in the 2011/2012 Europa League? Bibars Natcho was presented with a golden opportunity to draw Rubin level in the 0:1 loss to Olympiacos in Russia, but he failed to score a penalty, denied by a solid stop from former Thrylos goalkeeper Roy Carroll:
