Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Be A Hit
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic” (CC BY 2.0) by Doha Stadium Plus
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is going to be a huge star at Los Angeles Galaxy. There’s no doubt the man who declared “the lion is hungry” on his arrival in America has enough in the tank to establish his intercontinental legend in MLS.
The razzle-dazzle of soccer in America got a healthy dose of true footballing royalty when Ibrahimovic made his debut in March as a 71st-minute substitute. The stage was set. His side were trailing 3-1. The clock was ticking down. The powerful frontman started and finished the move which got Los Angeles Galaxy back in the game, the Swede crashing in from 40 yards to the joy of supporters.
The game already had a bit of something extra. It was the inaugural derby between Galaxy and LAFC. Thankfully, with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Barcelona striker in the mix, there was very little chance of the game ending without drama. And, fittingly, it was the man who once said “I came like a hero, left like a legend” following his time at Paris St Germain who put the icing on the cake with an added-time winner.
But what can Galaxy fans expect from the only player to score in the UEFA Champions League for six different teams? Well, he’s a man who likes to speak his mind; his pre- and post-match interviews always prove to be entertaining. He’s also a striker who strikes fear in opposing defenders, a strong, uncompromising physicality going hand in hand with a smart footballing brain.
“LA Galaxy vs Houston Dynamo- Western Con” (CC BY 2.0) by YoTuT
At his most recent club Manchester United, it was far easier making your football predictions when you saw him in the starting line-up. Arriving at Old Trafford in 2016, he told fans he was eager to show one of the best leagues in the world what he could do. No surprise, he scored an impressive 17 goals from 28 appearances in his first season, including a thunderous strike from 30-yards on his Premier League debut, helping the club to two trophies, including the UEFA Europa League.
Despite his age – now 36 – Ibrahimovic shows no signs of weakness despite a niggling knee injury at Manchester United. Now, with the warmer temperatures of the American spring and summer, along with a few less experienced defenders to contend with, the man from Malmo in Sweden is primed for further success. His eye for goal will bring him many fans in MLS, as will the playful persona that makes him as interesting off the pitch as he is on it.
Ibrahimovic’s career in MLS may only see the Swede play for a year or two but we know from his past exploits that it doesn’t take him long to establish his credentials. In a career that has seen him play for nine professional clubs, he has never failed to deliver a fantastic goals-to-game ratio. He’s seen success at every club he’s played for, winning more trophies than almost any other current footballer. It’s not a question of “if” Ibrahimovic will be a success in Los Angeles. For the hungry lion, success has no limits.
