Giannis Taralidis

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Giannis Taralidis (born 17 May 1981) is a football defensive midfielder who currently plays for Olympiacos, Greece. After spending 5 seasons at Paniliakos side, he 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

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.

Although his club were then prompty 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.

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

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, Taralidis is a promisising attacking and defensive midfielder for Olympiacos and Greece.

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 last year (2005-2006) for Olympiacos scoring 1 goal.

As he is the only centre midfielder with defensive abilities in the squad besides Ieroklis Stoltidis , he expects to have more first team opportunities this year.