Dean Ashton has compared Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic with various top Premier League legends.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former West Ham United and England striker Dean Ashton said that Ibrahimovic is a level above other players in the Premier League. He also said that Zlatan is one of those players who just cannot be taught.
The 35-year-old striker joined Manchester United this season on a free transfer. Jose Mourinho was quick enough to sign this player, as they have been together at Inter Milan in the past. Ibrahimovic has made an instant impact in the Premier League even at this age.
Even though Zlatan have had a run of seven league matches without a goal throughout September and October, he scored 17 goals from 26 games this season.
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Ashton said that Ibrahimovic has been brilliant so far this season for Manchester United. The former Norwich striker even praised Zlatan’s technical brilliance in his success over these years.
Ashton also compared Zlatan with former Premier League strikers who have had success at respective clubs. He also mentioned the names of former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola and Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.
Former West Ham United also compared Ibrahimovic with former Manchester United Champions League winner Teddy Sheringham.
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Dean Ashton said, “You can teach most things in football, but you can’t teach what he has.”
“It’s what only certain players have. So I’d put Teddy Sheringham in that bracket, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp.”
“This type of player, where it’s not about pace – I mean he’s not slow. He doesn’t run past players, that’s not what he does.”
“But it’s having spatial awareness, it is being one step ahead of defenders. Because your intelligence level is higher than other players,” said the former England striker.
“You can’t teach that!”
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The Swedish international has played for various clubs in Europe including Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona and AC Milan. Before coming to Old Trafford, Zlatan played for French club Paris Saint-Germain from 2012-2016. He has also won league titles in every club he has played before. The veteran striker will be aiming to win Premier League title with Manchester United this season.
Ibrahimovic has scored 50 goals in the calendar year 2016, and only Lionel Messi is ahead of him with 51 goals. Zlatan will get one more opportunity to add to his tally when the Red Devils face Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve.
