Who is the World's Best? Candidate 2

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Standing at a towering 6’3’’, Zlatan is a rare breed. When one looks at Ibrahimovic, one cannot help notice his size and overall athleticism, but what cannot be seen until you see the giant Swede on the football pitch is his excellent technical ability. The combination of power and finesse characterize this elegant footballer. After proving decisive for Sweden in the Euro with two goals in three games, Zlatan proved he could perform at the international level and at the highest club level, as he was one of the leading scorers in the CL last year. Tough to defend in the air and on the ground, his one-on-one ability and his great vision makes him one of the best target men in the world. Combining these important elements to his strong finishing and goalscoring record, Zlatan is no doubt one of the best players in the world.

Ibrahimovic, like many players who receive a lot of attention, has a reputation of being very egotistical and self-centered. Although one needs to be greedy to be a goalscorer, Zlatan often overlooks possible passes to open teammates and dribbles excessively. Also, like C. Ronaldo, Zlatan at times plays more for the crowd than he does for the team by abusing his skills and trying the impossible in order to score, set up others, etc (though sometimes it works: Inter vs. Bologna Serie A 08/09). Zlatan is an immense talent, but with that talent comes a great deal of responsibility of one’s character and attitude, something he has struggled with in the past; however, under Mourinho, thus far, he seems to have changed, as noted from his recent CL and Serie A performances. It is no doubt, Zlatan is his own worse enemy, and only he can hinder his potential.