Inter Milan faced Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated Round 6 UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, December 10, at the BayArena. The game ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team, marking Inter’s first defeat in the tournament this season. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, a summer free-transfer acquisition, was part of Inter’s starting lineup but was substituted in the 85th minute after another underwhelming performance.

A Night of Missed Opportunities

Mehdi Taremi’s performance has come under scrutiny, with Italian media voicing their disappointment. The reputable outlet Calciomercato summed up the game succinctly:

“Inter’s first defeat in the Champions League came by a small margin on Leverkusen’s home turf. Despite the setback, the loss is part of an otherwise strong campaign by Inzaghi’s side, who experimented with lineup changes. However, Taremi has yet to meet expectations, particularly in crucial matches like these.”

Inzaghi had expressed confidence in Taremi during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, stating:

“He plays because he deserves it. He trains very well and understands the competition within the squad. Every time he’s played, he has shown quality.”

Yet on the pitch, Taremi failed to deliver. The former Porto forward, celebrated for his experience and scoring prowess, has struggled to replicate his success at Porto in Italy. Tuesday’s match was no different, as Taremi failed to register a single shot on target in his sixth Champions League start.

A Season Below Expectations

Since joining Inter, Taremi has scored only once in 16 appearances—a solitary goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. Expectations were high for the 31-year-old, whose transfer was seen as a strategic move to bolster Inter’s attack. However, his inability to impact games, particularly in high-stakes situations, has left fans and analysts questioning his place in the squad.

Social media criticism has intensified following the defeat against Leverkusen, with a section of the fanbase expressing frustration over Taremi’s lack of productivity. In Serie A, his opportunities have been limited; he has started only once this season, playing second fiddle to Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

A Hard-Working but Struggling Player

To his credit, Taremi’s work ethic on the field remains commendable. The matches he has started have often been challenging fixtures, where the pressure to deliver is immense. Despite his struggles, Inzaghi has reiterated his belief in Taremi’s abilities.

While his contributions so far have been described as “lackluster” rather than entirely negative, Taremi has yet to prove he can be a decisive player for Inter. The season is far from over, and the Iranian striker still has time to turn things around. However, patience among fans is wearing thin, and his current trajectory leaves much to be desired.

A Chance for Redemption

Inter’s campaign in both domestic and European competitions continues, providing Taremi with opportunities to silence his critics. Whether he can rise to the occasion and become the impactful player Inter envisioned remains to be seen. For now, the final verdict on his season is on hold, but the clock is ticking for Taremi to demonstrate his worth in an Inter jersey.