A double in Lyon for promises already kept: arrived this summer in Montpellier with the cumbersome nickname of “Jordanian Messi”, Mousa Tamari proved that he was more than a simple curiosity and will want to confirm it Sunday (3:00 p.m.) against Reims .
The fast striker from Montpellier, who is one of the revelations of the start of the season in Ligue 1, made his mark in a country little known on the football map, Jordan, which he left at 21 years old.
Star in his country, with which he has more than 50 selections at the age of 26, Tamari then grew up on the side roads, from Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus, 2018-2020) to Louvain (Belgium, 2020-2023) with a deep-rooted ambition and great self-confidence.
“When I was in Jordan, my dream was to play in one of the big five European leagues. I achieved this goal by going step by step, from Jordan to Cyprus, then to Belgium and now here in France. It was not a surprise to be able to sign in Montpellier, but it is a new level to cross, ”he assured before his first season in L1.
When Montpellier and its sporting director Bruno Carotti offered him the challenge, the first Jordanian to evolve in the French elite did not hesitate.
“When I got the offer I couldn’t refuse because it’s a big club. I immediately said yes and I was happy to come here,” he said.
And the new Hérault striker quickly proved that he was in his place. A week after the double of his new partner Akor Adams in the inaugural match against Le Havre (2-2), he indeed achieved a real coup on the second day in Lyon (4-1) by ridiculing the defense opposition with his two goals, his dazzling breakthroughs and his skill.
In line with a convincing preparation, Tamari got rid of his nickname of “Jordanian Messi” and made his own name by assuming his responsibilities in a renewed attack, after the departures of Stephy Mavididi (Leicester) and Elye Wahi (Lens).
“I’m a bit surprised by his debut. He managed two matches, he clarified the game. He simply demonstrated the qualities that we had detected before recruitment. He confirms that this choice was wise”, welcomed his trainer Michel Der Zakarian.
Montpellier and its modest budget had indeed smelled the good deal, Tamari being at the end of the contract in Belgium. A modern winger, endowed with individual qualities and a collective spirit, he fully meets the requirements of Der Zakarian.
“He is strong, he repeats the efforts and he defends. He’s a cool guy, he’s a hard worker. He likes to work, he gives himself the means to be efficient, ”explains the coach.
Skilled in the game, endowed with a good technique, this left-hander, whose model is Mohamed Salah or … Lionel Messi, quickly adapted to the style worn by playmaker Téji Savanier. “It’s important to make the right races so that he can make good passes,” he says.
Mischievous, seductive and open, Tamari has therefore conquered all of her new surroundings. With him, everything goes very quickly.
