With 13 goals from just 20 appearances for Suwon Bluewings, the recently recalled Socceroos forward leads the K League 1 scoring charts.
And his impact since arriving from Brisbane Roar in February has been off the charts, with nine goals in July alone including his strike for the K League All-Stars in their 3-3 draw with Juventus.
With K League 1 Player of the Month honours beckoning, along with a contract extension, Taggart, 26, insists he’s still only on a learning curve and is far from the finished article yet.
“For me, it’s about trying to be the best you can and trying to improve,” Taggart told The World Game. “The challenges are there all the time and you constantly have to try and lift your level here.
“The feeling of knowing there’s a lot of room for improvement is good, and keeps me a lot happier.
“Of course as a striker (scoring streaks) come and go and don’t last forever.
“As long as you can stay consistent with your performances at the end of the year it all adds up.
“I’d love to score in every game for the rest of my life but realistically that’s a tough one to ask of yourself.”
Taggart is quick to deflect the glory from himself on to his teammates, whom he credits for his scoring surge.
“As a team we’ve turned the corner and hit form, and it’s a great bunch of boys with a great mentality,” he added.
“Winning has become a habit and that’s how it feels at the moment.
“I’ve been able to get on the end of things but to be perfectly honest all the credit has to go to the players around me who work so hard to provide me with great opportunities.
“It’s fantastic to be around these players ... it all rubs off on you and when you’re enjoying your football like this good things seem to come to you a lot easier.
“As a striker, if you don’t get the service there’s not much you can do but we’ve got great players here who are creating these chances.
“I’m just focusing on what I need to do ... getting my movement and timing right and having the confidence in knowing the ball is going to come to me.”
Taggart’s latest goal - a crafty close-range finish in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Daegu - was an Aussie one-two, with debutant Terry Antonis providing the assist off the bench.
The pair played together with Australia’s under-age teams, and know each other’s idiosyncrasies.
“Terry is one my favourite Australian players that I’ve played alongside,” Taggart said.
“He has fantastic vision and you just make the run and he’ll find you.
“I’m really happy he’s here (having signed from Melbourne Victory) and he’s already fitting in really nicely with the Korean culture.
“It’s only just the beginning for him but I think he’ll have a really good time here.”
With coach Graham Arnold earmarking Taggart as his likely leading man up front for the looming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he’s happy to carry the mantle.
But he’s making no brash pronouncements on the impact he might have, following on from his recent recall for June’s 1-0 friendly loss to Korea Republic.
“It was a great feeling being back involved for the first time in five years and if I can stay involved I’ll be over the moon,” he said.
“I’ve grown up with a lot of those players and of course I believe I can contribute - but I’m not getting too far ahead of myself.
“There’s room to improve and that’s what I’m going to focus on. If I get the chance with Australia it’s another challenge I’d love to take on board.”
A club source revealed over the weekend Suwon would be activating a two-year extension to Taggart’s contract - and he’s more than happy to stay.
“I’m really happy about (the prospect) of staying,” he added.
“I’m enjoying myself here and hopefully there are a lot more good times to come.
“We’re in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I’ve never won a trophy in football and I think that’s a realistic goal.
“If we can win it then we qualify for the Asian Champions League and we’re also climbing the table (Suwon sit sixth).”
