New Idol in Milan! Taremi's 3 Goals in 5 Matches Rattle Thuram as Iranian Striker Proves His Skills

In the first high-quality preseason match, Inter Milan secured a 3-0 victory over La Liga side Las Palmas, with Mehdi Taremi scoring twice and earning a spot on the front page of Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian media focused on Simone Inzaghi’s strategic approach during this game. The Inter Milan coach spent much of his energy encouraging the fringe players. For instance, when José Martínez made an impressive save, Inzaghi enthusiastically applauded, and when Joaquín Correa’s shots were consistently blocked, he shouted encouragement to the Argentine.

Inzaghi frequently called out to "Cama," instructing the young talent Kristjan Asllani on his positioning. However, Taremi and other key players received less direct attention from the coach, indicating Inzaghi’s confidence in their abilities. This suggests that Taremi is already regarded as an integral part of the team, alongside seasoned players.

Gazzetta dello Sport remarked, "Taremi’s performance, sprinting full throttle from the start of the summer training, gives the impression that he has been with the team for years!" With 5 goals in 3 matches, Taremi has quickly become a new idol for Milan’s children. Despite being preseason matches, where extensive praise is often unwarranted, these games are crucial for players to showcase their unique skills and strengths to the coach and teammates.

Beyond his scoring prowess, Taremi has demonstrated two other key abilities. First, he has proven his reputation as a "penalty master" is well-deserved. Against Las Palmas, Taremi lived up to his nickname "the trickster," by deftly controlling the ball despite being out of position, drawing a foul, and winning a penalty without injuring himself. This textbook execution highlights his experience and skill. Nicknamed "snake charmer" by Sporting Lisbon, Taremi has earned 21 penalties in the Portuguese league since the 2019-20 season, with even higher numbers when including cup, European, and international matches. Since joining Inter Milan, he has quickly confirmed his proficiency in this area, and it remains to be seen how many penalties he can secure in the upcoming season.

Secondly, Taremi provides Inter Milan with a reliable penalty taker. He has successfully converted both penalty attempts since joining the club. His career penalty statistics show 63 successful conversions out of 54 attempts in official matches (excluding friendlies and shootouts), with an 86% success rate. While not as high as Hakan Çalhanoğlu's (40 out of 44), it significantly surpasses Marcus Thuram’s (67.5%) and Lautaro Martínez’s (66.7%) rates. Taremi’s ability to both win and convert penalties provides a self-sufficient advantage for the team. The Italian media believes that while Inzaghi will not strip Çalhanoğlu of his primary penalty-taking duties, Taremi offers a reliable alternative when the Turkish player is unavailable.

Despite Taremi’s impressive performance, fan polls suggest that most supporters do not believe he will overtake Thuram’s starting position. First, Thuram played a crucial role in winning two stars for Inter Milan, and fans are nostalgic. Second, Taremi's strong showing is limited to three preseason matches; he needs further achievements to cement his place. Third, Lautaro is the absolute leader and core of the attack. Whether Taremi and Lautaro can form an effective partnership remains to be seen through more match experience.

Thuram, on vacation after the European Championship, is keenly aware of the competition Taremi brings. Inter Milan does not support players returning early from break, so Thuram has been rigorously training on his own. His regimen includes beach endurance runs, dribbling drills around obstacles, and heading practice. Thuram’s urgency to return to top form indicates the significant challenge Taremi’s arrival poses.

Interestingly, during his private training, Thuram donned a Club América jersey, which thrilled the Mexican club. They expressed their excitement and offered to send more jerseys to him. Overall, Taremi’s swift integration has intensified competition among Inter’s forwards. Since the days of Antonio Conte, Inter Milan has relied on a stable dual-striker configuration. From the Lu-La duo to last season’s Thuram-Lautaro combination, the primary forward pair has generally been secure. The last time there was such fierce competition was when Edin Dzeko, Romelu Lukaku, and Lautaro competed for starting spots, leading the team to the Champions League final. This demonstrates that healthy competition can enhance performance and success.

Analyzing the Impact of Taremi’s Arrival

Taremi's Performance: Taremi has quickly proven his worth in the preseason, scoring five goals in three matches. His ability to draw and convert penalties adds an invaluable dimension to Inter’s attacking options. His smooth integration into the team, coupled with his immediate impact, makes him a formidable addition to Inzaghi’s squad.

Thuram’s Response: Thuram’s proactive approach to the competition posed by Taremi showcases his determination to retain his starting position. His intense training regimen during the off-season, despite the club's stance on early returns, highlights his commitment. This competition could drive both players to elevate their performances, benefiting Inter Milan overall.

Inzaghi’s Strategy: Inzaghi’s focus on encouraging fringe players while showing confidence in established ones like Taremi suggests a strategic approach to squad management. By boosting the morale of less experienced players and maintaining trust in key performers, Inzaghi aims to build a well-rounded and resilient team capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Future Prospects

Taremi and Thuram Partnership: The potential partnership between Taremi and Lautaro remains a subject of speculation. While Taremi has shown his scoring and penalty prowess, whether he can develop chemistry with Lautaro will be crucial. The coming matches will be vital in determining the effectiveness of this potential duo.

Fan Expectations: Despite the early excitement surrounding Taremi, fans remain cautious. They acknowledge Thuram’s contributions and believe that Taremi needs to prove himself further in competitive matches. This balanced perspective reflects a fanbase that values proven performance while being open to new talent.

Team Dynamics: The intensified competition for starting spots could lead to a more dynamic and motivated squad. The historical precedent of fierce internal competition correlating with strong team performance bodes well for Inter Milan’s ambitions this season. If managed well, this internal rivalry could be a catalyst for success in domestic and European competitions.

Broader Implications

Taremi’s arrival and immediate impact highlight Inter Milan’s strategic approach to bolstering their squad. By acquiring a player with proven skills and integrating him effectively, the club demonstrates its commitment to competing at the highest level. The healthy competition for starting positions could drive overall team improvement, setting the stage for a potentially successful season.

Inter Milan’s fanbase, known for its loyalty and passion, will be closely watching the developments. The anticipation of how Taremi and Thuram will perform, both individually and potentially as a partnership, adds a layer of excitement to the upcoming season. The club’s historical reliance on strong forward pairings underscores the importance of this competition, and fans will be eager to see how this narrative unfolds.

In conclusion, Taremi’s rapid integration and impressive performances have not only won him early accolades but also intensified competition within the squad. This development, coupled with Thuram’s determined response, sets the stage for a season of heightened expectations and thrilling football for Inter Milan and its supporters.