A.C Milan has for the last decade been a sleeping giant of European Football. They’re currently in the mix for the Serie A title with a new, young team.
The unexpected catalyst for their rebuild is the returning Zlatan Ibrahimovich – a literal giant.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich returned to A.C Milan halfway through last season. In typical, arrogant Zlatan style, he remarked that if he was signed for the full season, A.C Milan would have won the league.
Halfway through this season, and those comments no longer look like hubris. Zlatan Ibrahimovich is defying his 39 years and acting as a totem for the Milan squad.
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Although, not even Ibrahimovich himself would have predicted his incredible level of production since returning to Milan. He scored 11 goals for them in the second half of last season, and he’s scored 16 so far this year.
For him, it will be satisfying to defy his critics and perform at the top level at his age. For his teammates, though, it goes beyond the goals.
Ibrahimovich is such a dominant presence that his teammates can operate uninhibited. Milan have been smart in the transfer market lately. Young, promising players like Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer, Brahim Diaz, and Rafael Leao could form the core of a great team for years to come.
Zlatan’s sheer presence, as well as his winning mentality has guided the young squad to second in the league. They’re one point behind city rivals Inter, with daylight between them and Roma, Juventus and Napoli.
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The young players don’t have to shoulder the pressure of the title race – Ibrahimovich will do that for him. His habit of making everything about him is distasteful for some, but for his teammates at this time, it will be a liberating, inspirational thing.
