Inter Milan's New Star Becomes a Fan Favorite, In Contrast to AC Milan's Controversial Figure: Capello Decodes the Secret to a Breakout

Inter Milan began their new Serie A season with a victory, which brought a series of good news for the Nerazzurri. The club has secured a new shirt sleeve sponsorship deal, slightly exceeding expectations at €6 million per year. Meanwhile, their latest signing, Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi, has attracted attention from several Italian media outlets, television analysts, and former players, who reviewed his performance in his debut start for the club and highlighted three aspects of his game that stood out.

Tireless Running: A Praised Effort

The first attribute of Taremi’s performance that drew praise was his work rate. Following the match, Inter's head coach, Simone Inzaghi, commended Taremi: "He was constantly on the move throughout the game." Taremi covered the third-highest distance among all players on the field, an impressive feat for a player who has just returned from injury. Notably, out of Taremi's 10,515 meters covered, 921 meters were at high speed (over 15 kilometers per hour), which is considerably higher than the average of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram last season (700-800 meters) and even surpasses Thuram's recent 888 meters. While Taremi's top speed may not be exceptional, his endurance and wide range of movement are trademarks of his playing style. In Inzaghi's system, a tall forward who can and will run is highly valuable.

Modesty and Humility: A Team Player

Taremi's self-assessment after the match was modest, despite having provided an assist in his debut start. Inzaghi heaped praise on him: "He may seem unassuming, but he played a crucial role." However, Taremi himself downplayed his performance, stating, "I don't think I played a great game." He added, "Competing for a spot in a strong team like Inter is difficult. I started as a substitute at FC Porto, too, and it took time for me to improve. I came to Inter to help the team." His humble attitude and self-awareness show that he knows his place and is eager to contribute.

Early Signs of Support: Winning Over Milan

Perhaps the most heartening news for Taremi has been the extensive Italian media coverage suggesting that he has already won the support of his teammates, coach, fans, and the city of Milan. Such early acceptance is crucial for a newcomer. All around Milan, fans can be seen wearing Taremi's jersey, and the Iranian's No. 99 has already found a solid fan base. The Italian media, known for their habit of praising one player while criticizing another, have contrasted Taremi's growing popularity with the controversy surrounding AC Milan's Rafael Leão, who has recently clashed with his own supporters.

At the end of Inter’s match against Lecce, Marko Arnautović broke down the left side and sent in a pass, but due to unfamiliarity with his teammates, Taremi's positioning was off, and it was Henrikh Mkhitaryan who eventually got the shot. After the game, Arnautović took time to explain to Taremi how he should run to seize such scoring opportunities within Inter’s system. Their discussion earned applause from the fans in the Curva Nord, showing that his teammates genuinely want to help Taremi find his scoring rhythm, a vital factor that simplifies the challenges he faces.

A Mixed Review: Promising Signs, Yet Challenges Remain

While Taremi’s debut had bright moments, there were also areas for improvement. The Gazzetta dello Sport awarded him the second-highest rating in the team, which can be seen as a gesture of encouragement. Tactical analysts have pointed out that Taremi’s main issue lies in his lack of understanding with his new teammates. He seems unsure of where to position himself to receive the ball, leading to fewer touches and missed scoring opportunities despite his extensive movement. Moreover, having often played as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation at Porto, Taremi appears to be struggling to adapt to the dual forward system. Although he and Thuram are trying to build chemistry, their movements often overlap.

Capello’s Prediction: A Future Breakout in Europe?

Reflecting on Taremi’s performance, renowned pundit Fabio Capello offered a prediction: "Taremi is a good striker, but it’s not yet his time. I think he and his teammates lack mutual understanding, especially between him and Thuram. But overall, he has shown his ability. I expect him to play a significant role in the Champions League." Capello’s analysis highlights that the tactical complexities of pre-season, where Inter emphasized intense physical training (which resulted in several injuries), might be contributing to the team's somewhat sluggish start in the first two rounds. It seems Inzaghi may have planned for the team to peak in form only as the Milan Derby and Champions League begin.

Inter's Champions League Ambitions: Taremi’s Key Role

Given the financial considerations imposed by Oak Tree Capital’s management philosophy, Inter is undoubtedly "thinking big" about the Champions League this season. To perform well in Europe, it is crucial to manage squad rotation effectively and prevent their key forwards from burning out in Serie A. This is where Taremi's responsibility as a rotating forward becomes vital. Additionally, Taremi is known for being particularly effective on the European stage, a trait that must be fully utilized.

To date, Taremi has scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in the Champions League, averaging a goal contribution every 115 minutes—a very impressive rate. In comparison, Lautaro Martinez has 12 goals and 5 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 182.5 minutes, while Thuram has 3 goals and 5 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 132 minutes. At 35, Arnautović has yet to reach double figures in Champions League appearances, while Joaquín Correa is unlikely to be included in the squad registration, making him irrelevant in this context.

Perhaps this is why Capello predicts that Taremi's breakout is more likely to occur in the Champions League. Among Inter's current crop of forwards, the Iranian is arguably their most efficient weapon on the European stage.

Contrasting Fortunes: Taremi vs. Leão

Taremi’s emerging status as a fan favorite sharply contrasts with the controversy surrounding Rafael Leão at AC Milan. Leão has been embroiled in a public dispute with his own supporters, which has caused considerable uproar. While Taremi is gaining popularity and solidifying his position, Leão's actions have led to friction and debate. The contrasting trajectories of these two players—one winning admiration and the other attracting criticism—reflect the differing atmospheres within the two Milan clubs.

For Inter, Taremi’s integration and development are progressing well, supported by his humility, effort, and early signs of understanding with teammates. If he can further adapt to Inzaghi's tactical demands, he may become a pivotal figure in both domestic and European campaigns. As the season unfolds, Taremi’s journey will be closely watched, particularly as Inter looks to leverage his efficiency in the Champions League to achieve their lofty ambitions.