How Zlatan Ibrahimovic will improve the Los Angeles Galaxy attack
By Roy Emanuel
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Los Angeles Galaxy hope to take MLS by storm. But will it work?
The Los Angeles Galaxy are in a somewhat unfamiliar situation, bouncing back from a 2017 season that saw them miss the MLS Cup Playoffs. Manager Sigi Schmid will need his attack to produce more in the final third, and he may have just added the striker that can get him those goals.
Sports Illustrated reported on Thursday that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed with LA, with an official announcement expected today. This follows the 36-year-old terminating his deal with Manchester United, allowing him to make the move across the pond.
SI’s Grant Wahl cited sources stating that his contract would be for two years, and will see the forward earn $1.5 million per season.
SI: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a 2-year, $3 million deal with LA Galaxy on a TAM contract. Could be in the Galaxy squad for its March 31 rivalry game vs LAFC on big FOX https://t.co/BiTijMQ6jf
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) March 22, 2018
A decision that had been talked about often in the past, Ibrahimovic brings with him one of the most decorated careers in European football.
As controversial as he is skilled, the Swedish legend has played for giants of the sport such as Juventus, Barcelona and AC Milan.
His recent stint in Manchester was productive early on, but injuries forced Ibrahimovic to miss significant time.
The potential for something special
With Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos, Ibra will have the benefit of strong midfield play behind him and in the opposing half. Alongside fellow new acquisition Ola Kamara, the Galaxy now have arguably the best striker duo in the league.
The key will be his fitness, and how he can adapt to his new surroundings. Never short on confidence, the travel and playing surfaces of MLS can cause issues for even the best footballers.
Ibrahimovic’s arrival gives LA something that they have not had since Robbie Keane – a creative striker who can take over a game. How quickly this can happen will depend on Schmid’s ability to craft the proper tactics to get the best out of his star-studded line-up.
Next: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's all-time top ten goals
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s incredible personality enters MLS for the LA Galaxy, and only time will tell if it is the right choice for the club. The one thing guaranteed at this point is that it will be extremely entertaining for all.