After a gruelling nine months of action in the Premier League, the 'Post's' sports staff names the team of the year for 2007/8.
By ALLON SINAIIsrael soccer 224.88(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)Goalkeeper: Liran Strauber (Maccabi Netanya) - One of the keys to Netanya's stingy defense, Strauber was rock solid throughout the season and was the runners-up leader on and off the field.
Right back: Cristian Alvarez (Betar Jerusalem) - The Chilean international was a staple in the champions' defense and was just as dangerous on attack as he was concrete at the back.
Left back: Dedi Ben-Dayan (Maccabi Netanya) - The 29-year-old cemented his place as one of Israel's best defenders this season and isn't currently being chased by Maccabi Tel Aviv for nothing.
Center back: Arik Benado (Betar Jerusalem) - The veteran won his fifth straight league championship this season and proved wrong all the doubters which claimed he was too old to anchor the Betar defense.
Center back: Avi Strul (Maccabi Netanya) - One of the most improved players of this season, Strul teamed up perfectly with Luis Marin, leading Netanya to the second best defensive record in the league.
Right midfielder: Dimitar Telkiyski (Hapoel Tel Aviv) - The Bulgarian joined Hapoel at the start of January and was one of the main reasons behind the team's successful survival campaign. Telkiyski's exquisite goals in the victories against Maccabi Tel Aviv and Betar will not be forgotten by Hapoel fans long after he leaves the club.
Central midfielder: Derek Boateng (Betar Jerusalem) - The Ghanaian gave Betar complete control of the center of the field in most of its matches this season and was key to the fact that the team had both the best offensive and defensive record in the league.
Central midfielder: Gal Alberman (Betar Jerusalem) - Many doubted if Alberman was the right man to lead the Betar midfield when he joined the club, but not after his performance this season. The 25-year-old was superb for the team throughout its stroll to the championship and will be surly missed when he leaves for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer.
Left midfielder: Maor Buzaglo (Bnei Sakhnin) - The talented youngster was in dazzling form throughout the season and took a mediocre team to the brink of UEFA Cup qualification.
Striker: Moshe Biton (Bnei Yehuda) - Unstoppable at the closing stages of the season, Biton scored almost all of his 11 goals of the season during Bnei Yehuda's great escape.
Striker: Dimitar Makriev (Ashdod SC) - Despite only joining Ashdod in January, the robust forward scored 11 goals in 18 matches, which were crucial in the team's eventual survival.
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