Zlatan Ibrahimovic Proving Again That He Is One of the Best at Milan

As last summer’s transfer campaign drew to a close, it appeared as if it would be another difficult and long season for Milan and their fans. The lack of investment in the squad had rendered the Rossoneri unable to fight for top honours, and it seemed Milan were to enter yet another season relying on the same old veterans. But then Silvio Berlusconi engineered an unlikely and last minute move for former Inter star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and how things quickly changed.

In the hysteria that Ibrahimovic’s arrival triggered, Milan were labelled Scudetto favourites and this was not for no reason.

In the three seasons spent at Inter, Ibrahimovic effectively carried a team lacking inspiration to three consecutive league titles. Roberto Mancini made the big Swede the central focus of his side’s attack in a decision that reaped rewards. In his time at Inter under Mancini, Ibrahimovic racked up an impressive 57 goals in just 88 Serie appearances along with providing 19 assists.

Ibrahimovic’s impact and contribution at Inter was recognised after the player was awarded Serie A Player of the Year and Serie A Foreign Player of the Year in both 2008 and 2009. During this time the Swede’s reputation grew in stature as he became to be regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

Ibrahimovic’s exploits with Inter attracted interest from Barcelona who offered Samuel Eto’o, twice a Champions League winner the Catalan outfit, plus 40 million Euros to Inter for the Swede’s services.

Despite having invested so much in order to bring Ibrahimovic to Camp Nou, after only one season Barcelona were looking to offload their No. 9. Many regard this was so because Ibrahimovic failed to impress whilst with the Catalan outfit. However, this is not so accurate.

In 36 appearances, Ibrahimovic claimed 20 goals along with providing nine assists in his first, and what was to be his last, season with Barcelona. This is hardly a poor return for a player in his first season with a new club in a new league. The failure of Ibrahimovic to establish himself at Camp Nou had more to do with football philosophy and his personality rather than football itself.

Nonetheless, Ibrahimovic’s reputation was largely damaged as a result, leading many to label him overrated. Perhaps many were ready to jump this to conclusion because of the Swede’s less than endearing personality. Again, like at Barcelona, he was judged not for his football.

This season at Milan Ibrahimovic has responded to all the criticism in the best way possible, by producing the goods on the pitch.

So far this season, Ibra has collected 10 goals in his 17 Serie A appearances along with eight assists. Of his 10 strikes, four of them have been match-winning, including his decisive goal and performance in the derby against Inter.

In the Champions League, a competition Ibra has often been accused of failing to shine in, Ibra has managed four goals from his five appearances. His first two strikes helped Milan to victory on Match day one, whilst his third strike was a thunderbolt that broke the deadlock against Auxerre, as Milan went on to win the match and secure qualification to the next round.

There is no underestimating Ibrahimovic’s impact for the Rossoneri this season. His presence has effectively transformed Milan into a title contending side who have occupied the top spot for almost 10 rounds now.  

In the process Ibrahimovic has again demonstrated how complete a striker he is. Able to play as the target man who holds up the ball and brings his teammates into the game, Ibra can also play in a deeper role and become the playmaker. His impressive physique and athleticism mixed with his 6’3" frame and his exquisite control of the ball make him a unique yet highly effective striker.

The season may only be just past the halfway mark, but already Ibrahimovic has silenced many of his critics. In the season that has seen Milan return as a major force, Ibra has been their main protagonist. Perhaps if Milan do go on to win the Serie A, or the Champions League for that matter, then perhaps finally the critics will lay down their jibes and admit that Ibrahimovic is one of the best strikers in the world today, if not the best.