Adel Taarabt – The next Eric or another Dimitar?
Noone seems to know what to do with Manchester United target Adel Taarabt. Some managers give him the captain’s armband and others bench him for prolonged periods. Some think he’s a world beater and others no more than a self-indulgent championship player. As enigmas go, the 23 year old Moroccan makes Dimitar Berbatov look about as straight forward as the 2x table.
The first time that I saw the QPR star turn out as a sub for Tottenham I thought that this was an exceptional player in the making. He had a way of moving, an understanding, an instinct for the game which is usually reserved for the very best. I’ve been surprised that noone has since managed to coax out this inordinate talent at the top level on a consistent basis. Maybe Harry is the man for the task now that he has taken charge at QPR.
Taarabt lit up The Championship, the season before last, with Teenwolf-like performances week in week out. But The Premier League hasn’t seen him shine on a regular basis. Transfer rumours are never far away and speculation persists that he is less the team player and more the misunderstood individual at QPR.
Enter Sir Alex Ferguson. The man who simply loves to put his arm around a moody genius and give him the keys to Old Trafford. When Eric Cantona came to the club Manchester United needed a spark. Something to take this sleeping giant to the next level. I’m not suggesting that Taarabt could have the same effect as King Eric, if he does end up at Manchester United, but there are definite similarities between the players. Moreover there is a sense that Manchester United, having failed to sign Lucas Moura and Moussa Dembele in the summer, are missing that bit of magic that will complete the current crop.
Cantona and Taarabt share a fragility. A short fuse which could get them in trouble. But Ferguson knows how to get the most out of these players. And what a player Taarabt could be for Manchester United. Ferguson sees him as a central midfielder. Someone who can bring a spark to an area which lacks a real world beater. Taarabt is a great passer of the ball. He can dribble, beat his man and score goals. He may just offer the sort of invention which is lacking in the current Manchester United midfield.
All that Taarabt really lacks is consistency. He needs some love from a coach like SAF to get the best from him on a weekly basis.
Overall, I could easily envisage Sir Alex making a move for the tantalising Taarabt. With Berbatov gone Sir Alex needs another project to keep him sharp and test his coaching skills. Adel Taarabt could well be that project.
Follow us on Twitter @soccersweep10
