When Adel Taarabt burst onto the football scene, there was a real sense of excitement.
The now Morocco international took English football by storm with his dribbling ability at both Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, and huge expectations were placed on him.
Unfortunately, he failed to live up to them for a large chunk of his career, leading to a number of loan spells and disappointing seasons being intertwined with moments of magic.
A move to Benfica was organised in 2015, where he has stayed since, and the now 31-year-old has managed, through hard work, adaptability and determination, to become an strong member of Jorge Jesus’ squad.
Making 26 appearances this season, the former Spurs man might not be in the starting line up every game, but he appears enough to justify the Portuguese club’s decision to renew his contract last October until 2023.
One person who knows the attacking midfielder well is Harry Redknapp, who managed him at both Tottenham and QPR throughout his career.
Speaking to Pianeta Milan, the 73-year-old was asked about Taarabt, who also played for Milan during the 2013-14 season.
The question revolved around the player’s ability at a young age, with some believing he might have been able to win the Ballon d’Or.
Redknapp, however, laughed that off.
He said: “Winning the Ballon d’Or? He wasn’t that strong… (Redknapp laughs). Adel is not a bad boy, but he never tried enough to become that great player he could have become with that amazing talent he had. Adel had great talent, but little desire”.
While he might have never reached the heights he could have, Taarabt, who spent three years at Tottenham from 2007 to 2010, still managed to make a decent career out of his footballing ability.
Far better than other precocious talents, at least.
