Player of the Week: Ibrahimovic (Juventus)
Monday 18 April, 2005
If there was one criticism of the way that the impressive Zlatan Ibrahimovic has settled into the world of Italian football, it was his lack of deadliness in front of goal. But five goals in his last two League games have given some substance to the claims that Juventus have indeed signed the new Marco Van Basten.
Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a splendid first season in Serie A since his £11m move from Ajax on transfer deadline day in the summer. Although he had been linked with the Turin giants for some time and had caught the eye with that back-heeled stunner against Italy at Euro 2004, not too many expected the Swede to be so super.
It can even be argued that he arrived at the Delle Alpi as third choice attacker behind David Trezeguet and Alex Del Piero. That statement seems laughable right now because the youngster is undoubtedly the first name down on the team-sheet when Fabio Capello ponders his offensive options. Who knows where Juve’s Scudetto bid would be without him?
Ibrahimovic seems well on the way to becoming a complete striker. He’s got power, some great technical ability – which is a hindrance at times seeing as he does overindulge in the sublime – and now an eye for goal.
Although he has incredibly failed to score in the Champions’ League this term, Ibrahimovic is his side’s top scorer in Serie A with 15. That’s the same amount as Adriano and just one shy of Parma’s Alberto Gilardino – the player Juve opted to ‘ignore’ on the transfer market in August.
The Scandinavian ace already netted a brace last weekend during the 3-3 draw at Fiorentina before his latest heroics on Sunday. With Del Piero suffering another anonymous afternoon and Trezeguet ruled out with injury yet again, the spotlight was well and truly on Ibrahimovic who netted a hat-trick in the 5-2 destruction of Lecce.
It was a performance which took his side back to the top of the table and a display which won wide praise from a club, who some thought had taken a gamble on such an individual. "He is a complete player who can score from any angle and by any method," said director general Luciano Moggi, the man responsible for his capture. "Ibrahimovic is an important player for not only the present but also for the future of Juventus."
Although it’s always difficult to speculate what Juventus’ summer transfer plans are, as Ibrahimovic’s surprise signing itself illustrates, there seems no doubt that Ibra is a player the Old Lady are counting on for some time to come. It is more likely that Del Piero and Trezeguet will leave Turin before this striker heads for the exit.
Words: Antonio Labbate
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