Ibrahimovic; a trequartista?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Milan's new trequartista?

Milan's search for a trequartista is taking them on a world tour. From Brazil's Ganso to Belgium's Eden Hazard, the management is busy scouting the planet for someone to replace the huge void left behind by Kaka. Many have been tried in that position but none came close to emulating the Brazilian's influence. Perhaps the man to resolve Milan's concerns is already within the squad.

Contrary to popular notion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not a target man. He doesn't like playing with his back to goal. However, he has been typecast as one mainly due to his physical presence. Zlatan loves to peel off the defender's shoulders, get the ball on the sidelines and tread those fine balls to the on running attackers. His tally of 11 assists in the league go to show that he is a team player, one who possibly enjoys setting up goals for his fellow forwards. He is two crucial passes short of being the man with the highest assists in the Serie A. The stereotypical understanding of him being a target man has possibly reduced his effectiveness in the clubs he has played at with very little emphasis given to his passes and vision.

Zlatan is no Kaka. He will not run at defenses at the speed of light or dance around defenders with pretty feet. What he will do is find the forwards with the final ball with endearing efficiency. With his height and build, he brings an added dimension of strength to the attack. Milan could use him in the hole while employing two forwards infront of him. Currently, Milan's options include Pato, Inzaghi, Robinho and Cassano. A combination of any two with Zlatan behind them could wreck havoc against any opposition. Here is how.

Pato has got the pace to stretch defenses. He often finds himself in free spaces. Zlatan's vision can find the Brazilian, which we have seen a few times this season. Robinho will be more decisive and precise in his finishing if he isn't expected to drop deep. With Zlatan holding the ball around the box, Robinho could use his pace and his movement to draw a defender away and create space for the Swede. Also, allowing Robinho to play higher up the pitch could give him the freedom to unleash those mesmerising dribbling skills which the Milanisti have been craving to see. His biggest strengths are taking on defenders and sprinting over short distances which will be better utitlised if he is positioned closer to the goal. Inzaghi would thrive on Ibrahimovic's through balls and will constantly have one defender beside him throughout the game. The other defender would have to switch between the second striker and Ibrahimovic to prevent the movement or the final pass. I can see why most defenders may fret in moments such as these. If Cassano is played, Allegri holds the option of interchanging the role of the creator between Cassano and Ibrahimovic leaving the defense baffled on where the creativity would spring from. Hence, the sort of options that Allegri has at his disposal is flattering and much deeper than people would initially believe. Milan's midfield comprises of a couple of options who would attack the box from the left and the right when the team moves forward. Boatang and Flamini are enthusiastic midfielders who enjoy making late runs into the box. The availability of these players in the first team increases the scope of passing options present to Ibrahimovic. The width provided by the midfielders creates a gulf in the heart of defense which opens up sufficient room for Ibra to launch a long range effort on goal.

The challenge though, is in Allegri's system, the trequartista is expected to track back and do the dirty work. Boatang has therefore thrived in this role. His work ethic astounded oppositions and prevented the opposing midfield from launching quick counter attacks. But the Ghanaian is not as gifted as Ibrahimovic is. The graft is there but the craft is missing. If Allegri can get Ibrahimovic to work harder than a sloth does, Milan's attack will experience a dynamic change which could transform them into the most potent attack in Europe.