IT is unlikely that Mehdi Taouil will take too long to settle in at Hearts.
The Moroccan has become the fourth new arrival at Tynecastle this summer, joining the Edinburgh side on a three-year deal having left Kilmarnock.
His new club will feel oddly familiar though, with former Rugby Park manager Jim Jefferies, with Billy Brown and Gary Locke completing the coaching staff. Taouil also joins former Kilmarnock team-mates Jamie Hamill and Kevin Kyle in swapping Ayrshire for Tynecastle.
The talented winger was brought to Scotland by Jefferies four years ago when he left French club Montpellier. Taouil admits the opportunity to work under the Hearts manager once again was a strong reason behind his decision to sign up at Tynecastle.
“Jim Jefferies, Billy Brown and Gary Locke being here is a big factor in signing because I really enjoyed working with them in the past and they’re the ones that brought me to Scotland,” he said. “It’s also nice to know that I’ll be playing with two of my former Kilmarnock team-mates again.
“Hearts is a big club, that’s why I signed. Since being in Scotland, I have really liked the atmosphere at Tynecastle. I have been here often to see some friends playing for Hearts and I really like the atmosphere.”
Hearts get their season underway in the Europa League qualifiers on July 28 and Taouil cannot wait to get started. He must first come through a pre-season training camp in Italy, though, and Taouil knows an arduous workout awaits.
“I know how hard it will be,” he said. “I have worked there with the gaffer before and it’s not easy. The place is lovely and it’s sunny but it’s hard when you have to run a lot.
Taouil’s versatility will be a key weapon for Hearts both in Europe and domestically. The Moroccan has the ability to play anywhere across the midfield but is hoping Jefferies deploys him in his preferred position.
“I really prefer to play through the middle,” he said. “Sometimes managers like to play me on the right and the left as well but I really love to play in the middle.”
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