Former Iran and Persepolis coach Branko Ivanovic feels that Inter Milan bound striker Mehdi Taremi is similar in profile to Ciro Immobile.
Ivanovic spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInter1908. He called the 31-year-old Porto striker an “attacking playmaker.”
Taremi is not yet an Inter player.
But at the end of the current season, the Iranian international will become one.
Taremi should soon undergo his medicals on the move – which had initially even been scheduled for today – and then sign his pre-contract.
Then at the end of June, when Taremi’s contract with Porto expires, he will join the Nerazzurri.
The big question then becomes, what kind of a player are Inter getting?
Taremi has often been prolific throughout his career for club and country. But he is also a player with a reputation for strong holdup play.
Croatian coach Ivanovic has a strong knowledge of Iranian football, having coached Team Melli in the mid-200s.
Ivanovic also coached Iranian giants Persepolis. And it is there that he personally worked with Taremi for several years earlier in the striker’s career.
Former Iran Coach: Mehdi Taremi Similar To Ciro Immobile
Ivanovic said that “Trust me. Mehdi is the perfect, intelligence striker for Inzaghi.”
“When I hear about Taremi, I immediately think about his rare intelligence,” the coach went on.
“Mehdi is a great professional,” he said. “He started in the lower leagues, and eventually arrived in the Champions League. ”
“I don’t know many players capable of adapting to leagues, formations, and playing styles like he has.”
“For a coach like Inzaghi, who focuses heavily on compactness of the team, he’ll become a vital player right away,” Ivanovic predicted of Taremi.
He called the 31-year-old “A fast striker who’s good with his feet.”
Ivanovic said that Taremi is “Decisive in the penalty area.”
“However, at the same time, he’s capable of not giving the team a point of reference.”
“In recent years he has played wide on the left, or as a centre-forward.”
“With me at Persepolis, he played as a second striker as well,” Ivanovic said.
“And in addition to his speed, he also has a great vision for the game. When you least expect it, he creates a pocket of space for his teammates to play in.”
“Precisely because of those abilities as a playmaker, it would be hard to find a comparison for him as an attacker.”
“Considering his spirit of sacrifice, his instinct for goal, and ability to press opposition defenders, however, I’d look back at the kind of movements Ciro Immobile had a few years ago,” the coach said.
