Zlatan Ibrahimovic – the trophy magnet (Video)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a bit like marmite; you either love him or hate him. Throughout his career, which has included many of Europe’s finest clubs, he has constantly divided opinion as to whether he is a truly great player. At times he can do the unbelievable and you wonder how anyone can question his ability, whilst other moments show a petulant, self-absorbed player who seems reluctant to work hard and quick to criticise teammates. Where do you stand regarding the Swedish international?

Accused of not showing up for the big matches, but knocking in the goals regularly against smaller opposition, is a common complaint about the striker from Malmo. However, wherever the big swede goes, trophies seem to follow him and he has managed to win an incredible 10 titles over the last 12 years. The six different clubs that he has played for also indicate just how well respected he is amongst football’s elite, and an ability to adapt to different playing styles and integrate rapidly into a team. It can’t be possible that Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG have all been misguided by a fantastic agent and convinced to buy him unless there was something very special that he had to offer. 

Last year England played a friendly match in Stockholm which turned into a one man show for Sweden and made the entire world stand up and applaud Zlatan. He single handedly won the match by scoring all four goals for his side, including what is perhaps one of the finest goals ever, when he produced a bicycle kick of staggering ability. It was almost as if he was sticking two fingers up to all those that had dismissed his ability and proved that there are only a very few select individuals that would even have thought about attempting the strike, let alone scoring from it. 

Whether you rate him or not, he is one of the finest footballers in the world on his day, and perhaps that is why the doubt creeps in. Top players need consistency at all times and can’t just put on a show every now and then to make sure you haven’t forgotten how good they are. Ibrahimovic is sometimes guilty of this and has consequently paid the price, as fans who only see him infrequently throughout a season have witnessed him having an off day and have made up their mind. He will never reach the same levels as Messi and Ronaldo but if your team is looking for a title win then you can’t go far wrong with the super Swede!

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