Ibrahimović has been described by
ESPN as being "good in the air, quick, tall, strong and agile, he plays well with his back to goal and boasts some of the best finishing, vision, passing and ball control around."
[8][221] A versatile and well-rounded footballer, from a tactical standpoint, Ibrahimović is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, due to his ability to both create and score goals for his team, although he is most often deployed as a
striker, due to his composure and eye for goal.
[221][222][223] He has also functioned in a more creative
playmaking role at times, as a
supporting forward or even as a
number 10, in particular in his later career, after losing some of his pace and stamina with age; this deeper position allows him to drop into midfield to pick up the ball, where he can utilise his technical ability, vision, passing, and movement to create space and provide assists for teammates
While naturally right-footed, Ibrahimović is a powerful and accurate striker of the ball from both inside or outside the penalty area with either foot,
[221][222][223][231][232][233] and is also known for his accuracy from
penalties and
dead ball situations.
[233][234][235] An accurate finisher with his head as well as with his feet,
[233][236] his height, elevation, and strength often give him an advantage at winning aerial challenges, and also allow him to function as a "
target man";
[226][237][238] despite his large stature, Ibrahimović is uncommonly agile for a player of his size,
[239] and his athleticism and ability in the air have seen him score several goals from acrobatic strikes and volleys throughout his career, which earned him the monicker
Ibracadabra in the Italian media.
[8][222][231][240][241][242] In spite of his size and physique, Ibrahimović possesses excellent technique and ball control, which, coupled with his balance, power, and physicality, enables him to hold up the ball well with his back to goal, retain possession, and link up with other players;
[8][223][225][226][239] he has also been praised by pundits for his creativity and
dribbling skills.
Due to his prolific goalscoring, consistency, and spectacular strikes,
[221][223][244] Ibrahimović is regarded by many in the sport to be one of the best players in the world and one of the most complete strikers of his generation;
[245] he has also drawn praise from managers and teammates for his leadership and longevity, as well as his fitness, professionalism, and dedication in training.
[225][246] Although he has been criticised for his work-rate in big matches, in particular in his youth,
[8] throughout his career he has scored in some of the biggest matches in football, including the
Milan Derby in Italy,
El Clásico in Spain,
Le Classique in France, and the
Manchester Derby and
North-West Derby in England, as well as in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro Championship games, against some of the strongest opponents in football, also winning titles in several different countries;
[233][247][248][249][250][251] he is the only player to have scored for six different clubs in the Champions League.
[252] Known for his extroverted personality, despite his reputation as a footballer, he has been criticised, however, for his arrogance, aggression and rebellious character at times.
[221][222][233][253] Ibrahimović has frequently been compared to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, due to their similar playing style and proclivity for scoring from powerful shots and
volleys;
[222] despite this comparison, Ibrahimović has stated that his main influence was his idol, former Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, whom he regards as the greatest player of all time.
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Posted in: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
