Giannis Taralidis

Giannis Taralidis

Personal information
Full name	Giannis Taralidis
Date of birth	17 May 1981 (1981-05-17) (age 29)
Place of birth	Greece
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Levadiakos F.C.
Number	17
Youth career
	APS Almopos Arideas
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999–2003	Paniliakos	13	(2)
2004–2007	Olympiacos	27	(1)
2007–2009	OFI Crete	46	(6)
2009–2003	Levadiakos	27	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17 July 2009. † Appearances (Goals).

Giannis Taralidis (born 17 May 1981) is a Greek football defensive midfielder. He currently plays for Levadiakos F.C. in the Greek Super League.[1]

Club career

Groomed by lowly APS Almopos Arideas, he was spotted and signed aged 18 by Paniliakos FC in 1999. Taralidis went on to make his top-flight debut in October of that year and suffered relegation in 2000/01, only to win promotion back to the Alpha Ethniki two years later.

After spending 5 seasons at Paniliakos side, Taralidis moved to Olympiacos in 2003. He rapidly settled down at his new club but with the likes of Christian Karembeu, Ieroklis Stoltidis, Pantelis Kafes and Rivaldo dominating in midfield, he works hard for first-team opportunities.

Although his club were then promptly relegated again, he had already left Paniliakos in January to join Olympiacos CFP for €250,000 on a four-and-a-half-year contract. Taralidis made five substitute appearances for the Athenian side as they relinquished their crown to Panathinaikos FC. Played in 12 2004/05 league matches, starting the last three encounters of the double-winning season. Capably filled in for the suspended Ieroklis Stoltidis when required. However, appeared just five times for a total of 109 minutes the following campaign, though did score against Panionios FC on his sole start.

He is extremely famous within Olympiacos' fans, with the chant "Tara, Tara" being heard when he comes in touch with the ball. Well known for his strong shots and foul taking capabilities.

He stands at 1.88m tall and is also known for his aerial capabilities as well as well as dribbling. Taralidis played in 5 Greek National A matches for Olympiacos F.C. during the 2005–06 season, scoring 1 goal.

International career

A former Greek Under-21 international, Taralidis represented his country at the Athens Olympic Games.[2][3]

References

1. ^ "Giannis Taralidis: Facts". Guardian.co.uk. http://guardian.touch-line.com/StatsCentre.asp?CTID=31&CPID=76&TEID=6390&PLID=175052&pStr=Player. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
2. ^ "Giannis Taralidis Biography and Statistics". Sports-Reference.com. http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ta/giannis-taralidis-1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
3. ^ Ioannis Taralidis – FIFA competition record

Taralidis biography by UEFA

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