Fulham boss Martin Jol compares Adel Taarabt to Diego Maradona

Adel Taarabt

Fulham manager Martin Jol has, astonishingly, compared Adel Taarabt to legendary Argentinian Diego Maradona.

The 24-year-old midfielder has struggled to force his way into Jol’s first team this season following his loan move from Queens Park Rangers over the summer.

Taarabt could feature for Fulham this evening in the Capital One Cup against Leicester City after making just two Premier League starts so far this season.

Jol, however, was quick to defend the Morocco international and compare him to one of the greatest footballers of all time.

“He is still fighting and doing extra sessions to get him fit,” Jol told the London Evening Standard.

“Adel is a Maradona type of talent. He is a one off. He is one of the most gifted players you will ever see on the pitch but he has to be a team player as well.”

In his five Premier League appearances for Fulham this season, Taarabt has an 80% shot accuracy having hit four of his five shots on target.