IBWM StaffComment

Yannis Tafer

IBWM StaffComment

Yannis Tafer     20     Striker     Toulouse

Bags of talent, zero luck. In the international arena, Tafer has scored at every level he’s represented France, right up to the under-20 side, looking every inch the natural finisher and athlete he clearly has the potential to be.

At club level, it’s been a very different story. After struggling to make any lasting impact on Lyon’s first eleven, a loan to Toulouse with the deal also including an option to buy was taken, but proved barren as sixteen appearances saw him fail to find the scoresheet at all. While he has consistently looked dangerous at junior levels for France, the day to day grind of club life has proved to be a fruitless world so far.

If ever there was a player that needed the ball to deflect in off his backside or any part of his body to get things going at club level, Tafer’s the one. Time is still very much on his side but there needs to be massive improvement if he is to save himself drifting into mediocrity.

“Was meant to be the next Karim Benzema but he has never lived up to that tag. Works hard but doesn't add a final product. Not sure he has what it takes” - Andrew Gibney (French Football Weekly)

“Disaster. Move to Toulouse failed and he now finds himself on the fringes of Lyon's squad” - Jonathan Johnson (French Football Weekly)

“Failed to impress in loan stint at Toulouse, scoring no goals in 16 games, not really on radar at Lyon either” - Tom Williams (European football reporter for Agence France-Presse)

E     Time to throw yourself at everything son