Or Dadia is Aberdeen FC transfer triumph as Israeli insider tips recruit to be 'big player' in Europa League bid

Guy Melamed believes Or Dadia has an all-action style that will see him become a big favourite at Aberdeen.

The Dons have signed the Israeli international on a season-long loan with an option to buy from Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Manager Barry Robson is hoping for international clearance to give Dadia his first outing when Aberdeen travel to Charlton in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday. Ex- St Johnstone striker Melamed, now at Bnei Sakhnin, has played against his compatriot many times and reckons he is tailor-made for the Scottish game. He said: “Or is a player with a lot of potential. He played with one of the top teams in Israel for Hapoel Be’er Sheva, where he also played in the group stages of the Europa League.

“He is a very tough player and strong defensively. I have played against him a few times. He is very much a right-back. That is where he has played most of his football in Israel. I would class him more as a defensive full-back but he can also get forward and join in with the attack. Another strength is that he is good in the air.

“He might not be the tallest but he jumps well and is aggressive. He will do well in Scotland. He is well-suited to Scottish football because he is strong and robust. Dadia has those qualities in abundance.”

Dadia will strengthen Aberdeen’s defence and also provide Nicky Devlin with competition in the right-back area. Melamed knows the Reds have signed a player who is used to the big occasion and has vital European group stage experience. He was involved in the Europa Conference League games against Austria Vienna, Villarreal and Lech Poznan last season.

Aberdeen can look forward to something similar as they go into the Europa League play-off round next month. Melamed said: