Calcio Debate: Ibrahimovic – A Square Peg In A Round Hole?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic still doesn’t seem completely comfortable playing in Jose Mourinho’s 4-3-3 formation. Carlo Garganese asks whether the Swede can produce his best in the Special One’s system…

Only a fortnight ago I wrote a Calcio debate where I praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his outstanding performance against Panathinaikos in the Champions League, where he provided two stunning assists. Jose Mourinho has made no secret that he considers Ibrahimovic as his star man, and it is quite clear that if Inter are to end their 40-plus years of hurt in the European Cup then the former Ajax man will have to produce his best form.

Ibrahimovic has had a mixed start to the season though, and in the last two games in particular, against Milan on Sunday, and Werder Bremen last night, he has not impressed too much. Now Ibra has never been the most consistent of players so perhaps I am reading too much into this, but I don’t sense that the 26-year-old (27 tomorrow) feels too comfortable in Mourinho’s 4-3-3 formation.

Against Milan he was fielded in the middle of the trident, the Didier Drogba role from Mourinho’s time at Chelsea. Ideally, the player in this position has to be disciplined, hold the ball up, bring others into play, wait for support, and then get in the box to finish off the job. Ibra is as good as anyone at holding the ball up, and he will also bring others into play brilliantly. However, he won’t charge into the box that often, his finishing is not clinical like a Drogba, and most importantly he is far too undisciplined. The Swede is so eager to be involved in the play that he leaves his home and sometimes comes too deep in looking for the ball.

Against Bremen, Ibrahimovic alternated from playing in the centre and on the outside. Once again Ibrahimovic is not particularly comfortable playing in a refined wide role. It is clear that he will cut inside every time he gets the ball, and you will not see him bursting past his man on the flank like an Arjen Robben or Damien Duff, who both played this role to such devastating effect at Stamford Bridge.

Of course the season is only seven or eight games old, and the whole of the Inter squad are still getting used to the system, but Ibrahimovic’s best position is clearly as a support striker in a two man attack. When playing behind a clever hitman with good movement or penalty box instincts, Ibra’s creativity and craft can make him devastating. It’s no coincidence that the Swede has flourished alongside two of Serie A’s most prolific marksmen of the last decade in David Trezeguet and Hernan Crespo.

I am certain that Ibrahimovic will still have a fine season, as he possesses such talent that a change in position will not matter too much. But will Inter get the best out of him in a 4-3-3? I’m not convinced they will.

What are your views on this topic? Is Ibrahimovic a square peg in a round hole? Will Inter get the best out of him in a 4-3-3 formation? Is Ibra better in a two-man attack? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese