Knowing the defender: R?zvan Ra?

Name: R?zvan Dinc? Ra?

Date of Birth: 26.05.1981

Place of Birth: Slatina (Romania)

Age: 32

Height: 1.78

Nationality: Romania

Position: Defence- Left back

Foot: Left

As it is West Ham’s new signing R?zvan Ra?’s birthday today, here is a look at this defender’s career:

R?zvan Dinc? Ra?, also known as R?zvan Ra?, is a 32-year old Romanian footballer who plays as left-back for West Ham. Having signed by the English club (West Ham United on May 21 2013) on a one-year deal for free from the Ukranian club Shakhtar Donetsk, the Romanian captain can now think of ending his career here at this stage. It is believed that R?zvan Ra? would solve West Ham’s ‘left back’ problem as many of their left backs are injured.

R?zvan has made 248 appearnces for Shakhtar Donetsk in his 10 years spell with the club. He has also played 57 times for Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League.

He started his career at the age of 7 by joining a local team Rapid Piatra-Olt which was trained by his father. He started his senior career when he joined Rapid Bucaresti in 1998. Here he played for 2 years as just after 2 years he went on loan to FCM Bacau where he stayed for a year, making 14 appearances with 2 goals for himself. He returned to Rapid Bucaresti in 2001 and continued to play till 2003 until Shakhtar Donetsk lured him away. He made 82 appearances with 2 goals for the club.

In 2003, he signed for Ukranian giants Shakhtar Donetsk where he has spent a decade in services of the club. He became a key player here. His pace and his ability to defend also in the most difficult situations have made him the wonderful defender now and just because of that only many clubs, including Arsenal, Man City and Lyon were after him to secure his services. But it is Sam Allardyce’s side who have emerged successful in signing the veteran defender.

This year too, Rat participated in the Champions League matches, impressing the fans and the coach by his superb form, though they were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund 5-2 on aggregate.

It is really surprising to see a 32-year old defender who is performing so fantastic and that too at this age that shows he’s got some ability.

He has also made 88 appearances for Romania with only 1 goal.

It seems that he can perfectly do justice to his transfer as team’s left back is a bit weak. Let’s hope he enjoys with his new club.