Should Sweden “Dare to Zlatan”?

After Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s masterclass in his MLS debut, he has proven that despite his age, he can still impact games. After coming on as a substitute against LAFC, Ibrahimovic first scored a worldly 45 yard volley, followed by a pinpoint header to secure a comeback victory for LA Galaxy in the first ever “El Trafico” derby.

Despite retiring from international soccer in 2016, Ibrahimovic has been quoted as saying that he is open to coming out of retirement for the World Cup in Russia, as “if Zlatan wants to play, he will play.” Unquestionably, the 6’5” striker would add talent to any side, and a player like him most definitely galvanizes a team, strengthening the squad as a whole.

The problem for Sweden coach Janne Anderson is that he managed to get the national team to the World Cup without Ibrahimovic. The current squad knows how to play with one another, and well. Sweden reached the World Cup via the playoff stage in Europe, beating Italy over two legs, shutting the Italians out both times. Does he risk tinkering with his squad this close to the tournament when he already has a cohesive group together?

Sweden are in a very tricky group in Russia, with champions Germany, well oiled Mexico, and a very plucky South Korea side, who might be one of many dark horses in Russia. Sweden will have to play exceptionally well to advance from this group, and may just need a player like Ibrahimovic to achieve this. Despite being solid at the back, the Scandinavian side lack any real flair going forward other than playmaker Emil Forsberg, and are also in need of a consistent goal threat. As his nation’s top scorer, Ibrahimovic would bring both of these qualities. 

Coach Anderson should be weary of breaking up a group of players who work hard for each other, a group of players who played well enough to reach what is the most prestigious tournament in the world. But he must also ensure Sweden have as much of a chance as possible for success. Anderson should then consider bringing Ibrahimovic to Russia. He should start him on the bench so that his core squad know that they are the ones trusted to get the job done, however he should not be afraid to insert a player of Ibrahimovic’s ability into the fray if needed. Before announcing his roster, he should sit down with Ibrahimovic and make him aware of the role he will be playing. At this time, if the forward still believes he can contribute and make his country proud, as well as accepts the role he will play in the team, then Anderson would be foolish not to take Ibrahimovic to the tournament. The World Cup needs a player like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and even if he isn’t starting, Sweden will have a formidable force waiting to pounce during each and every match, which could propel them to their greatest success yet.

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