GSH Transfer Player Profile: Gabi Kanichowsky

Creativity has been a key component of West Ham under David Moyes, but it has been lacking this season.

Green Street Hammers writer James has scouted Israeli international Gabi Kanichowsky, a player who has been catalyst in his team’s attacks.

The 25-year-old is considered one of Israel’s brightest footballing talents, and he wouldn’t be the first Israeli to make a name for himself in the East End.

Yossi Benayoun, who also played as a midfielder, was popular amongst the West Ham fans, and Kanichowsky would aim to impress the claret and blue faithful.

QUICK FACTS

Full Name: Gavriel Gilad Kanichowsky (גבריאל גלעד “גבי” קניקובסקי)

Age: 25

Nationality: Israeli

Place of Birth: Ra’anana, Israel

Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv

Position: Attacking midfielder

BIOGRAPHY

Gabi Kanichowsky was born in Ra’anana, an Israeli city known for a large population of American Jews. He had a strict Jewish upbringing, attending a yeshiva (Jewish high school) and having a Bar Mitzvah.

He signed for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2015 before being loaned out to Hapoel Petah Tikva and Hapoel Acre. There, he received more playing time and started to grow as a player. He then moved to Maccabi Netanya in 2018, playing three seasons with the club and making 92 appearances. Kanichowsky rejoined Tel Aviv in 2021, for whom he has made 50 appearances and scored six goals.

As an international player, Kanichowsky has played for the Israel U19 and U21 sides. He made his full international debut for his country in a 2-0 defeat to Germany in March 2022.

Kanichowsky has always been heavily involved in his community. While he was playing for Hapoel Acre, he taught students about his religious lifestyle.

STYLE OF PLAY

Despite being an attacking midfielder in his natural position, Kanichowsky prefers to be a playmaker. This seems to be a good role for him, as he makes long passes towards the attackers and helps to initiate counter-attacks. After he passes the ball during a counter, he runs forward into vacant space in the hope of creating a chance.

Off-the-ball movement is another main part of his game, which could benefit West Ham. He stays within the team’s attacking line for extra support and creativity. As a result, he acts as a supporting body for a striker and even can revert to a No.10 role when he sees a close chance. Moreover, his ball retention means that he keep the flow of the game running without worrying about being dispossessed.