Day: December 20, 2024

Statistics: Mohammad Mohebi

Although not a regular starter, Mohammad Mohebi has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for Team Melli in their pursuit of World Cup qualification. Currently playing for the Russian side FC Rostov, Mohebi has demonstrated his versatility and skill, earning praise from both fans and critics alike.

Despite being sidelined by injuries that temporarily disrupted his contributions for both club and country, Mohebi’s quality was evident upon his return. His ability to make an impact was clear, and his performances were met with widespread appreciation. His six goals in 2024, primarily operating as a right winger, were a remarkable achievement given that he only started eight matches throughout the year.

What sets Mohebi apart is his adaptability. Beyond excelling as a right winger, he has also proven effective in central midfield and as a number nine, showcasing his capability to adapt to the team’s needs. This flexibility makes him a highly valuable player for Team Melli’s coaches, who regard him as a reliable option in multiple roles.

When fit, Mohebi is a strong contender for a spot in Team Melli. His performances for both club and country reaffirm his status as a high-quality player capable of delivering results in crucial moments.

Statistics: Saman Ghoddos

After a challenging period of uncertainty, when Team Melli midfielder Saman Ghoddos found himself out of contract and without a club, he made a surprising move to a modest club in the UAE—a stark contrast to his previous stints in European football. Despite this shift, Ghoddos continues to shine as a cornerstone of Team Melli’s midfield, an area often criticized for its lack of depth and creativity.

In a team struggling with a dearth of skilled playmakers, Ghoddos stands out as a rare gem. His exceptional vision and precise ball distribution make him indispensable. Time and again, he has taken on the responsibility of orchestrating the midfield, linking defense with attack through timely passes, initiating offensive moves, and providing his teammates with opportunities through remarkable foresight.

Without Ghoddos, Team Melli’s coaching staff often resorts to direct, long-ball tactics, highlighting the void left by his absence. No other player in the squad matches his ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball with such finesse. While his statistics may not always be headline-grabbing, his influence on the field is undeniable. Ghoddos not only elevates the team’s performance but also instills confidence in his teammates.

As a key figure in Team Melli’s lineup, Saman Ghoddos is more than just a player—he is a symbol of resilience and a vital cog in the team’s ambitions. His presence remains a beacon of hope for a midfield yearning for consistency and brilliance.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.

The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Statistics: Sardar Azmoun

Sardar Azmoun had an outstanding year with Team Melli, leading the Persians to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Following his transition from the elite European leagues to the less prestigious Persian Gulf Football, there were concerns that the star player might experience a decline in performance, which had prompted his transfer.

However, Azmoun defied expectations. His exceptional goal-scoring ability, combined with his vision and awareness to create spectacular assists for his teammates, proved to be the driving force behind Team Melli’s success. The year 2024 stood out as one of Azmoun’s most successful years with Team Melli, showcasing his prowess and solidifying his status as a key player for the national team.

Azmoun is now the second-highest Team Melli Goal scorer after the Legendary Ali Daei.

This illustration captures the essence of Azmoun’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!