The lion is ready to roar.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to arrive in Los Angeles on Thursday as his American adventure begins at the age of 36.
Swedish legend puts a glorious European career behind him as he looks towards the promised land that will be far more than an elephant’s graveyard for one of the most orgasmic football stars on the planet.
Arrogant and egoistic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is arguably the most self-obsessed person in world football. He nevertheless remains one of the most adored football players as well, with a huge fanbase which closely follows his every step.
As he prepares to hit the stage in Los Angeles – possibly this weekend in the local derby against Los Angeles Football Club – Zlatan Ibrahimovic is turning a huge focus towards the MLS as another in line of world-famous football stars to hop over the pond in recent years.
But what can Americans expect from the Swede?
LA Galaxy expect to see Ibrahimovic in training on Friday where he will introduce himself to the group and get familiar with the team and his new surroundings. Galaxy manager Sigi Schmid is not ruling out the possibility Ibrahimovic could be given a run in on Saturday when Galaxy take on their new across the street rivals.
If Ibrahimovic does take part in the contest, it will be his first piece of action since December 26, when he was given 45 minutes in United’s 2-2 draw with Burnley. The Swedish superstar went missing after that game due to fitness issues that followed a remarkably speedy recovery from a knee surgery.
Schmid is convinced Ibrahimovic is arriving in LA in full fitness which was confirmed by the medical reports sent over from Manchester that claim Zlatan is fully fit.
His undeniable qualities aside, will Ibrahimovic be able to contribute to the expected level having not taken part in any competitive football activity for over three months?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a man of many qualities.
Football qualities for the most part. The self-centred Swede is boasting an incredible level of athleticism, remarkable for a footballer of his size. A keen admirer of martial arts, Zlatan Ibrahimovic mixes this sports discipline with football and often can be seen pulling off seemingly impossible moves, kicks and passes which he became renowned for.
His extraordinary strength and agility are complemented with a powerful but precise shot from virtually any angle on the pitch and there is no doubt that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will bring an extra edge to the LA Galaxy attack-oriented squad.
Schmid could be forced into rewarding Ibrahimovic with more minutes than he initially planned, given his current selection situation which has Dos Santos brothers under a doubt with hamstring injuries and Romain Alessandrini’s availability in question after he missed LA Galaxy’s last two matches.
Galaxy Need Zlatan as Much as Zlatan Needs Galaxy
The Galaxy are coming off from a win, draw and a loss in their first three matches in 2018 and will be pressured to step it up a notch against the in-form local rivals who opened their debut season in the top flight with a pair of triumphs.
The more illustrious side from Los Angeles has endured a difficult season last year, which turned out to be their worst in nearly a decade. LA Galaxy missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is interpreted as a clear message of intent.
A compelling leading mentality of the Swedish superstar will alone be enough to lift the level of quality over at LA Galaxy, whereas his trophy-winning mentality could push his new club toward glory – for the first time since 2014.
The five-time MLS champions are certainly hoping Ibrahimovic will add value to current 14/1 price on them winning the coveted title again which would strengthen their royalty status on the American continent.
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