Ali Daei: Mehdi Taremi Is the 'Best Striker in Asia' & Can Score 15+ Goals for Inter Milan | World Briefings
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Ali Daei: Mehdi Taremi Is the 'Best Striker in Asia' & Can Score 15+ Goals for Inter Milan

6 August, 2024 - 4:23AM
Ali Daei: Mehdi Taremi Is the 'Best Striker in Asia' & Can Score 15+ Goals for Inter Milan
Credit: sportmob.com

Inter Milan's New Signing: A 'True Bomber' with Potential to Shine

Iranian football legend Ali Daei has heaped praise on Inter Milan's new signing, Mehdi Taremi. Daei, who is the third-highest scorer in international football trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, believes that Taremi is a "true goal-scorer" who can contribute significantly to the Nerazzurri's attack.

"Taremi is a true bomber, he can score at least 15 goals. He is the best striker in all of Asia," Daei declared. "His greatest quality is his football intelligence. Watch him closely: he may not touch the ball very often, but he scores, he moves well, he wins every duel."

Daei believes that Inter have pulled off a remarkable deal in acquiring Taremi on a free transfer. "Absolutely," he said. "For a player who has scored over 90 goals for Porto in the last four years, it's an incredible deal. He's scored decisive goals in the UEFA Champions League and won several trophies. Approved."

Taremi's Strengths and Adaptability

When asked about Taremi's best qualities, Daei highlighted his intelligence and physicality.

"His football intelligence is exceptional. Taremi moves a lot, which is why he surprises defenders. Plus, he's also very physical. He doesn't lose a duel and it's not easy to dispossess him. He also has great technical quality in the final third, which you might not expect."

Daei singled out Taremi's bicycle kick against Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League as one of his most impressive goals. "He showed that he can score acrobatic goals," Daei said. "He knows how to position himself, evade markers, and use his body. If you're not good, you don't score 50 goals for your national team."

Daei is confident that Taremi will thrive under Inter manager Simone Inzaghi.

"From what I've seen, yes," he said. "He'll already know everything about him, so I don't think he needs my advice. I can only say that, at this moment, Inzaghi is the coach who can get the best out of him. Moreover, the system favors him. Mehdi performs better alongside another striker: he can combine with them, provide assists, and exploit the wings. He always knows where to be on crosses."

Taremi's Goal-Scoring Potential in Serie A

When asked about Taremi's goal-scoring potential in Serie A, Daei replied, "It depends on the context and his starting role, but I would say 15 or even more. Serie A is much more difficult than the Portuguese league, but when you know how to score, you can do it anywhere, in any league."

A Humble and Respectful Player

Daei concluded by praising Taremi's character. "He is humble, respectful, and has strong values," he said. "He has never forgotten where he came from, his origins, and the city where he was born, Bushehr. He has a great personality. I haven't had the chance to speak to him recently, but I'm sure he will do well. And above all, he will score goals. Inter fans can rest assured."

Beyond the Goals: Taremi's Journey and Impact

The 32-year-old officially completed his move to Inter Milan this month. He signed on a free transfer after his contract with Porto expired. Taremi arrives with a significant reputation and expectations. Both at club level and for the Iran national team, Taremi has scored prolifically and consistently for several years.

It was in 2019 that Taremi first came to European football. Portuguese side Rio Ave signed him that summer transfer window. And Taremi enjoyed a free-scoring single season with Rio Ave. So much so that it inspired Portuguese giants Porto to sign the Iranian.

And over four seasons at Porto, Taremi has played at a high level, including in the Champions League. Therefore, it is not too hard to see why Inter decided to snap Taremi up this summer after his contract with the Portuguese club expired.

Taremi has been an important player for the Iranian national team before he ever came to Europe, though. Moreover, the new Inter striker also made his mark in club football in his native country. Taremi spent four years playing for Iran’s biggest club, Persepolis.

And that stint was certainly foundational in Taremi emerging as the striker that he is now. Taremi has become Iran’s talisman in the last decade or so. In this sense, he follows in the footsteps of iconic former Bayern Munich striker Daei. And it was Daei who personally helped set up Taremi’s transfer to Persepolis from Iranjavan in 2014.

"For me, that moment was fundamental," explained Taremi. "It was perfect for me to be able to play for such an important club in Iran." Taremi noted that "Daei was one of the top scorers of all time in international football. Behind only Cristiano Ronaldo." "For us he’s a legend," the new Inter striker said of Daei.

The 32-year-old has been showing his credentials in the club’s pre-season friendlies. And he will be looking to do likewise in official fixtures once the season kicks off. For his part, Rezaei insists that the Nerazzurri have found themselves a leader and an excellent player in Taremi.

"Mehdi is an excellent player, a true leader," said the former Perugia and Livorno defender in his interview with Tuttosport via FcInterNews. "He’s capable of holding the group together, he is always close to all his teammates. In Iran, he is considered the strongest of all, together with Sardar Azmoun." "I Believe he did well to join Inter. In fact, this is a late move, as he should have arrived earlier. Never mind, he will prove himself now with the Nerazzurri."

The Iran assistant coach then dwelled on Taremi’s attributes, explaining how Simone Inzaghi will be able to utilize him. "We’re talking about a player who moves a lot on the pitch. He goes forward, left, right, and even tracks back. Marking him is very difficult." "Inzaghi will be able to deploy him in any position in the attack. And even as a second striker if he wants. He will certainly do very well for Inter." "Taremi is technically strong and has a strong mentality. He has speed, he takes penalties well, and he knows how to free himself." "Inzaghi is very intelligent, tactically strong. His team usually dominates the league. The midfielders and the wingbacks push forward. This can help Taremi score many goals."

Finally, Rezaei praised Inter for their style of play, considering them an exemplary European club. "Inter’s attacking football, can help Taremi thrive. Inzaghi uses the qualities of his players to the fullest." "The team plays very well and scores a lot. They are an exemplary club for all of Europe." "With Lautaro, Taremi can do very well. The Argentine holds the ball well, and makes the team move up the pitch, while Taremi’s movements can be useful to the whole team."

A Detective's Mindset and the Importance of Respect

Mehdi Taremi has revealed that he would have been a "detective" if not for football, highlighting the importance of respect in both his life and the sport. The Iranian striker, who recently joined Inter Milan, shared his thoughts during an interview on Inter TV, where he talked about his early life, his passion for football, and what he would have pursued as a career if not for the beautiful game.

"I would’ve been a policeman. I’d have been a detective, because I want to find out what happened, what’s going on and maybe I love that." The 32-year-old, known for his goal-scoring prowess and tenacity on the pitch, believes that respect plays a crucial role in football and life.

"The most important thing in football is the dressing room. The players have to be brothers, to die and fight for each other. We see each other maybe more than our families, so because of that you have some emotional things together. If you stay together, the team can be champions." Taremi's words demonstrate the importance of camaraderie and mutual respect in a team's journey to success.

Tags:
Mehdi Taremi Inter Milan Ali Daei Iran Forward FC Porto Iran national football team Mehdi Taremi Inter Milan Ali Daei Serie A Iranian football
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