Ex Juventus Midfielder Defends Inter Milan & Iran Star Amid Criticism Of Wasteful Finishing: ‘He Plays Brilliantly Overall’

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi feels that the criticism for Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been unfair.

Speaking on Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInter1908, Tacchinardi argued that even if Taremi’s finishing hasn’t been good, his overall performance in the Coppa Italia against Udinese was excellent.

Taremi started for Inter in the Coppa Italia against Udinese yesterday.

This was another performance that has been along the lines of most of the Iranian’s displays for Inter this season.

In terms of holdup play, Taremi was a vital presence for the Nerazzurri.

The 32-year-old set up teammate Marko Arnautovic for Inter’s opening goal.

But in front of goal, Taremi was far from ruthless.

Moreover, there was one very good chance for the former Porto striker. In the second half he had an opportunity to absolutely put the match to bed, but hit the far post with his effort.

Tacchinardi Defends Inter Striker Mehdi Taremi From Finishing Criticism

This lack of a clinical edge from Taremi has led to some criticism.

The Iranian has been prolific throughout his career. Therefore, his lack of goals to date at Inter has been a disappointment.

But in the view of former midfielder Tacchinardi, this is unfair when considering the overall quality of Taremi’s contributions.

“Let’s look at it on a psychological level,” he argued.

“It’s not easy when you don’t play often.”

Tacchinardi noted that Taremi “has some great players ahead of him in the pecking order.”

“Today, Taremi played a great match,” Tacchinardi went on.

“His assist was a ball of very high quality.”

“And he didn’t make a big error – he just hit the post.”

The former midfielder suggested that Taremi “was used to being central to the team, and it’s not easy to adjust from that to me.”