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As a football player, Berkovich is considered both as a real pro (with true sportsman attitude towards the game) and a football genius, who improves all the players around him and breaks opponents' defences with his masterpiece passes. Although he is not a scorer, he knows when to score cruical goals, some of them are very spectacular. He is hailed by many for his game intelligence and his cunning way of avoiding tackles and fouls from his defenders. He is considered to be one of the best Israeli football players. For is amazing assists he is known in Israel by the nickname Ha-Kosem (lit. "The Wizard").
As well as his footballing talent, Berkovich is well known for his hot temprament. He has had several clashes with team mates, most notably with Israeli footballers Reuven Atar and Eli Ohana , and Welsh striker John Hartson. His autobiography "HaKosem" (lit. the wizard) sparked controversy in the Israeli football scene because of the sharp and straight criticism on many figures in the Israeli football scene.
Berkovich began his career at Maccabi Haifa in 1989, playing there until 1996. During his time at the club he won the cup and league several times, including a 'double' in the 1990/91 season. His impressive performances for the club earned him a call up to the Israel national football team as well the MVP award for 1993/4 season.
For the 1996/97 season, Berkovich was signed by English club Southampton F.C., proving to be a big influence, being a major part of the famous 6-3 victory over Manchester United F.C.. The next season he was signed by West Ham United F.C., for whom he played for two seasons before Scottish club Glasgow Celtic F.C. signed him for $10 million (£6.5million). He played for Celtic for only two years before returning to England to join Blackburn Rovers F.C. on loan for the 2001/02 season. Again he remained only a short while before earning a permanent move to Manchester City F.C.Manchester City F. are a football club based in Manchester, United Kingdom. Having been formed in 1880 as West Gorton Saint Marks, they went on to become Ardwick F. in 1887 and moved to Hyde Road, before finally becoming Manchester City F. Winning the Sec the following year.
Despite becoming a firm favourite with the fans, a fallout with manager Kevin KeeganJoseph) Kevin Keegan MBE (born 14 February, 1951) is an English football (soccer) coach and former player. He was born in Armthorpe, Yorkshire. A former England international player, he is currently working for FA Premier League football club Manchester C saw him transfered to Portsmouth for the 2003/04 season. He soon established himself in the first team at Pompey, being a vital part of their drive for Premier League survival.
Berkovich is also a regular in the Israel national squad, playing 77 times and scoring 9 goals.