Anthony Le Tallec
Encyclopedia
Anthony Le Tallec is a French
footballer who plays for AJ Auxerre
in Ligue 1
, as a forward or attacking midfielder.
by Liverpool
in 2001, along with his cousin
Florent Sinama-Pongolle
, by manager Gérard Houllier
. This was after impressive performances for the French national youth team in the UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
and the FIFA U-17 World Cup
, with the player being awarded the 'Silver Ball' as the second best player (behind his cousin) in the latter tournament, as the national team emerged champions; both players remained a further two years at Le Havre, loaned by the Reds.
Le Tallec scored his first and only Liverpool goal in a UEFA Cup tie against NK Olimpija Ljubljana in October 2003.
After his return, he also featured in the club's victorious run in the UEFA Champions League
, starting in the home leg of the quarterfinal tie against Juventus FC
, but did not appear in the squad list of 18 for the final
itself.
For the 2005–06 season, Le Tallec joined fellow Premier League side Sunderland
on loan, in a bid to gain some more first team football. He stated: "I am a competitor and I want to play all the time, but with Liverpool it was impossible. I chose to come to Sunderland because I need to play every week". In a disappointing season for the club, who finished bottom of the table, he was its top scorer with only 6 goals in all competitions; this included a header against Fulham
, helping the Black Cats pick up their only home win all season.
In May 2006, after Sunderland announced they would not be looking to retain his services, Le Tallec returned to Liverpool but was not given a squad number by boss Rafael Benítez
. At the end of the month, he joined up with the France U21
for the European Championship
, which took place in Portugal
. He only featured in the national team's final group match, after they had already secured qualification, and he was substituted after 61 minutes.
, on another loan deal. He won the season's French Cup
, scoring a late equaliser
in the final, which eventually led to a penalty shootout against Olympique de Marseille
. Incidentally, a fellow Liverpool player out on loan, Djibril Cissé
, scored two goals in the match for the opposition.
On 31 August 2007, it was reported that Scottish Premier League
's Heart of Midlothian F.C.
were close to signing Le Tallec. However, the player ended up moving to Ligue 1
outfit Le Mans Union Club 72, on loan for the entire season, with a view to a permanent deal for approximately £
1.1 million pounds.
At the end of the season, on 27 June 2008, Le Mans decided to make the loan permanent, signing Le Tallec to a four-year contract. On 27 June 2010, following Le Mans top flight relegation
, he reached an agreement with fellow top-divisioner AJ Auxerre
for a four-year deal, worth €
3 million.
, is also a footballer. Another French youth international who was groomed at Le Havre, he started his professional career in Germany
with Borussia Dortmund
.
His cousin, Sinama Pongolle, other than Liverpool, represented teams in Spain
, Portugal and France.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
footballer who plays for AJ Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
, as a forward or attacking midfielder.
Liverpool
Le Tallec was signed from Le Havre ACLe Havre AC
Le Havre Athletic Club Football Association is a French association football club based in Le Havre. The club was founded originally as an athletics and rugby club in 1872, thus making it the oldest association football and rugby club registered in France...
by Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
in 2001, along with his cousin
Cousin
In kinship terminology, a cousin is a relative with whom one shares one or more common ancestors. The term is rarely used when referring to a relative in one's immediate family where there is a more specific term . The term "blood relative" can be used synonymously and establishes the existence of...
Florent Sinama-Pongolle
Florent Sinama-Pongolle
Florent Stéphane Sinama Pongolle is a French footballer who plays for AS Saint-Étienne on loan from Sporting Clube de Portugal....
, by manager Gérard Houllier
Gérard Houllier
Gérard Houllier, OBE , is a French football manager, who was last manager of Premier League club Aston Villa. He stepped down on 1 June 2011, following hospitalisation over heart problems towards the end of the 2010-2011 season....
. This was after impressive performances for the French national youth team in the UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
2001 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Group C:---------------------Group D:---------------------Quarterfinals:-------------Semi-finals:-----Third Place Playoff:-Final:-References:**...
and the FIFA U-17 World Cup
2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship
The FIFA U-17 World Championship 2001 was held in the cities of Port of Spain, Malabar, Marabella, Couva, and Bacolet in Trinidad and Tobago between 13 September and 30 September 2001. Players born after 1 January 1984 could participate in this tournament...
, with the player being awarded the 'Silver Ball' as the second best player (behind his cousin) in the latter tournament, as the national team emerged champions; both players remained a further two years at Le Havre, loaned by the Reds.
Le Tallec scored his first and only Liverpool goal in a UEFA Cup tie against NK Olimpija Ljubljana in October 2003.
After his return, he also featured in the club's victorious run in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, starting in the home leg of the quarterfinal tie against Juventus FC
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
, but did not appear in the squad list of 18 for the final
2005 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final was the final match of the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, Europe's primary club football competition. The showpiece event was contested between Liverpool of England and Milan of Italy at the Atatürk Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 May 2005...
itself.
For the 2005–06 season, Le Tallec joined fellow Premier League side Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
on loan, in a bid to gain some more first team football. He stated: "I am a competitor and I want to play all the time, but with Liverpool it was impossible. I chose to come to Sunderland because I need to play every week". In a disappointing season for the club, who finished bottom of the table, he was its top scorer with only 6 goals in all competitions; this included a header against Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
, helping the Black Cats pick up their only home win all season.
In May 2006, after Sunderland announced they would not be looking to retain his services, Le Tallec returned to Liverpool but was not given a squad number by boss Rafael Benítez
Rafael Benítez
Rafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudes is a football manager, and former player. He is currently unemployed, after leaving as manager of Internazionale in December 2010....
. At the end of the month, he joined up with the France U21
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
for the European Championship
2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Klaas Jan Huntelaar3 goals Thomas Kahlenberg Nicky Hofs2 goals Bryan Bergougnoux Ruslan Fomin Artem Milevskiy...
, which took place in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. He only featured in the national team's final group match, after they had already secured qualification, and he was substituted after 61 minutes.
Return to France
In August 2006, Le Tallec moved to FC Sochaux-MontbéliardFC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
, on another loan deal. He won the season's French Cup
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
, scoring a late equaliser
Last-minute goal
The term "last-minute goal" is used in sport, primarily association football, to describe a goal scored very late in a game. It may not necessarily refer to a goal scored in the actual final minute...
in the final, which eventually led to a penalty shootout against Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
. Incidentally, a fellow Liverpool player out on loan, Djibril Cissé
Djibril Cissé
Djibril Aruun Cissé is a French international footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Lazio as a striker. He is noted particularly for his speed and acceleration. Since 2005, he has held the title of Lord of the Manor of Frodsham....
, scored two goals in the match for the opposition.
On 31 August 2007, it was reported that Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
's Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
were close to signing Le Tallec. However, the player ended up moving to Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
outfit Le Mans Union Club 72, on loan for the entire season, with a view to a permanent deal for approximately £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
1.1 million pounds.
At the end of the season, on 27 June 2008, Le Mans decided to make the loan permanent, signing Le Tallec to a four-year contract. On 27 June 2010, following Le Mans top flight relegation
2009–10 Ligue 1
The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated...
, he reached an agreement with fellow top-divisioner AJ Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
for a four-year deal, worth €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
3 million.
Club
- Sochaux:
- Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
: 2006–07
- Coupe de France
- Liverpool:
- UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
: 2004–05
- UEFA Champions League
Individual
- FIFA U-17 World Championship: Silver Ball 20012001 FIFA U-17 World ChampionshipThe FIFA U-17 World Championship 2001 was held in the cities of Port of Spain, Malabar, Marabella, Couva, and Bacolet in Trinidad and Tobago between 13 September and 30 September 2001. Players born after 1 January 1984 could participate in this tournament...
Personal life
Le Tallec's younger brother, DamienDamien Le Tallec
Damien Le Tallec is a French football player currently playing for German club Borussia Dortmund in the Fußball-Bundesliga. Damien is the younger brother of former Liverpool and current Auxerre striker Anthony Le Tallec...
, is also a footballer. Another French youth international who was groomed at Le Havre, he started his professional career in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
with Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund
Ballspielverein Borussia Dortmund, commonly BVB, are a German sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. Borussia Dortmund play in the Bundesliga, the top league of German football...
.
His cousin, Sinama Pongolle, other than Liverpool, represented teams in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Portugal and France.