Author Topic: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Read 324307 times)

Jens from Sweden · « **on:** July 12, 2006, 07:24:49 am »

Swedish media reports that Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is wanted by Rafa Benitez. Guillem Balague, close friend to Rafa, says that if Juve will get relegated to Serie B Rafa will bid for him. Trezeguet is also wanted. However Inter are close to agreeing a contact with Zlatan so Rafa will have to act quickly.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport/story/0,2789,855390,00.html

What do you think? He is very talented that´s for sure.

Living Legends · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:26:19 am »

No thanks, I just do not rate him.

MakeUsDream · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:33:45 am »

Zlatan, Pennant, Bellamy

There will be some fun in the Reds dressing room should this happen.

Something Else · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:54:52 am »

overrated in my opinion

BrianL · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:59:01 am »

Don't rate him myself, don't watch Italian games very often though. I watch lots of CL games and don't think he's any better than what we have.

The story is from what Balague said on R5's Rumour Mill last Sat and is the first post is a fair representation of what he said, except he didn't mention Inter.

Jens from Sweden · « **Reply #5 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:09:29 am »

Suprised you don´t rate him. In Sweden he´s regarded a better player than Freddie Ljungberg and Henrik Larsson.

He´s very strong (192 cm) (92 kilos). He had more assists than any other player in the Serie A last season. A good target-player too. 23 years old, lots of potential.

He had a lousy World Cup, is that why you dont rate him?

pinky · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:09:42 am »

I think he is a great player myself! Good move if true.

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:10:20 am »

Typical fantasy footballer - scores the occasional wonder goal and has amazing technique, but completely overrated.

In no way a Benitez player, surely, as he isn't a team player, has psychological problems, and only *plays* when he feels like it. Would be very shocked by this.

Trezeguet, if he can still cut it, is far better as he's an out-and-out goalscorer.

Grayman · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:10:29 am »

Overrated, stroppy, goal shy, gob shite...

Other than that he's great!

StevieG26 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:12:59 am »

If you would've said we could buy Ibrahimovic last year, I'd be over the moon because hew as considered one of the best players in the world. He's lost some spark last season but the talent's still there. Peronally, I would've preferred buying Ibrahimovic than Crouch if money was readily available. Don't get me wrong though I love Crouchy. I just think Ibra is stronger, better in the air and maybe better technically. It's his attitude which stinks.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:13:22 am »

no really sure of the idea of sign him if the time he at Juventus and the WC display is anything to go buy. From what I know he was rated highly when at Ajax but has not lived up to it since being at Juventus, like Cisse.

Something Else · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:14:41 am »

there were rumours when Chelsea wanted him that he was after £150K per week after tax.

Maybe his agent is tryin to get some further interest in him, only club other than Chelsea that would pay anything near that would be Newcastle

Linnet · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:18:04 am »

He´s not Liverpool material for sure...

Attitude problem, deeply madly in love with himself...he´ll stay in Italy I hope...

His agent (Mino Raiola) is known for "dirty business"....

Something Else · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:18:55 am »

Quote from: Linnet on July 12, 2006, 08:18:04 am

He´s not Liverpool material for sure...

Attitude problem, deeply madly in love with himself...he´ll stay in Italy I hope...

the way you describe him, its obvious where he will go, Chelsea

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:20:23 am »

I would have him in a second. It makes me wonder just how many people are judging him on reputation and two games in the champions league.

Helsinki Red · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:21:35 am »

Zlatan is brilliant player and would do the job for us.

Linnet · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:22:09 am »

Quote from: Gareth 7 on July 12, 2006, 08:18:55 am

the way you describe him, its obvious where he will go, Chelsea

Let´s hope so...I´d love to see him and Mourinho get into a fight over the hairdryer...

BrianL · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:23:37 am »

Quote from: Hattori Hanzo on July 12, 2006, 08:20:23 am

I would have him in a second. It makes me wonder just how many people are judging him on reputation and two games in the champions league.

You might have only watched him twice but other people have seen more. I've watched about 15 Juve CL games these last couple of years and based my opinion on that.
He may look better in the Italian league, i don't watch that, but then anyone could look good if the ref was in their president's pocket....

Alan_X · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:23:54 am »

haven't seen a lot of him but every time I have he's disappointed in attitude and end result. I think the "Sewdish Media Reports" thing indicates it's his agent or someone angling for a move.

Could be wrong of course but I think there are better options.

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:26:02 am »

Quote from: BrianL on July 12, 2006, 08:23:37 am

You might have only watched him twice but other people have seen more. I've watched about 15 Juve CL games these last couple of years and based my opinion on that.
He may look better in the Italian league, i don't watch that, but then anyone could look good if the ref was in their president's pocket....

No, I didn't say I based my opinion on two games, but it does seem that people are all coming out with the same stereo type bullshit.

For anyone that has seen juve games over the past two seasons, they will know he is top draw.

pinky · « **Reply #20 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:26:42 am »

Quote from: StevieG26 on July 12, 2006, 08:12:59 am

If you would've said we could buy Ibrahimovic last year, I'd be over the moon because hew as considered one of the best players in the world. He's lost some spark last season but the talent's still there. Peronally, I would've preferred buying Ibrahimovic than Crouch if money was readily available. Don't get me wrong though I love Crouchy. I just think Ibra is stronger, better in the air and maybe better technically. It's his attitude which stinks.

Just maybe?

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:30:26 am »

I certainly wouldn't mind David Trezeguet either. Ballague reckons we are interested in both.

NatD · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:31:35 am »

They love the boy in Sweden, and if it means more Sweedish Blonde babes at Anfield next season, then for sure!!!!

In reality, I wouldn't touch him with a Barge Pole, and would much prefer Trezeguet.

Living Legends · « **Reply #23 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:33:15 am »

Quote from: Hattori Hanzo on July 12, 2006, 08:26:02 am

No, I didn't say I based my opinion on two games, but it does seem that people are all coming out with the same stereo type bullshit.

For anyone that has seen juve games over the past two seasons, they will know he is top draw.

Quote from: Paul Tomkins on July 12, 2006, 08:10:20 am

Typical fantasy footballer - scores the occasional wonder goal and has amazing technique, but completely overrated.

In no way a Benitez player, surely, as he isn't a team player, has psychological problems, and only *plays* when he feels like it. Would be very shocked by this.

Trezeguet, if he can still cut it, is far better as he's an out-and-out goalscorer.

I'm with Paul on this one. He put him in a nutshell.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #24 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:39:49 am »

Quote from: Paul Tomkins on July 12, 2006, 08:10:20 am

Typical fantasy footballer - scores the occasional wonder goal and has amazing technique, but completely overrated.

In no way a Benitez player, surely, as he isn't a team player, has psychological problems, and only *plays* when he feels like it. Would be very shocked by this.

While I share your reservations about his attitude Paul he is a young player who undeniably has lots of talent and the unpredictability required to open up massed defences of the sort that I'm sure we'll see at Anfield next season.

Assuming that Jens' stat that he had most assists in Serie A last season is correct, and I have no reason to doubt him, then this would imply that he is in fact more of a team player than you are giving him credit for, no?

If we manage to get him for a knock down price, then rather like Crouch, he will give us more possibilities, which can only be a good thing.

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #25 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:42:29 am »

Zlatan and bellamy upfront....(with crouch and fowler as respective backups) - oh dear lord.

hight, skill, strength, lots of fight, pace assists and lots of goals. that would be some partnership

I highly dount we would get him... but it is a nice thought

Jens from Sweden · « **Reply #26 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:45:26 am »

Quote from: kaz1983 on July 12, 2006, 08:13:22 am

no really sure of the idea of sign him if the time he at Juventus and the WC display is anything to go buy. From what I know he was rated highly when at Ajax but has not lived up to it since being at Juventus, like Cisse.

He scored 16 goals in the Serie A in his first season. 05/06 he had more assist than any other player, didnt score too many because he was playing second fiddle to Trezeguet.

I´ve followed his development for many years and he would score 20+ if at Liverpool. At Juve the strikers don´t have too much support from the midfielders (Vieira and Emerson) but that´s not the case at LFC. Zlatan would be an instant hit in the PL, very powerful!

Garstonite · « **Reply #27 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:52:01 am »

I would be very disappointed if we signed him. Trezeguet is a different question, but I do not rate Zlatan whatsoever. Hopefully this is just another story with absolutely no truth to it at all, like so many others during the silly season. Having said that, you could see the logic: we need another physical presence in our forward line and he could come at a cut-price fee. I doubt he would be willing to dramatically decrease his wages, though.

kevindublin · « **Reply #28 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:52:07 am »

In exactly the same category as Totti for me.

Completely over-rated tosser, and never seen him have a good game ever.
Scores the occasional good goal, but then so did Danny Murphy.

StevieG26 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:53:28 am »

Quote from: pinky on July 12, 2006, 08:26:42 am

Just maybe?

Well I said maybe just so that I won't be slaughtered round these boards

suede lady · « **Reply #30 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:55:01 am »

Aftonbladet is a shite tabloid paper, not the most reliable of sources. Considernig that Ibra does nothing for 85 minutes and then shows a stroke of genius that hopefully results in a goal I cant see Rafa go for him

rob76 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:56:18 am »

Quote from: Hattori Hanzo on July 12, 2006, 08:42:29 am

Zlatan and bellamy upfront....(with crouch and fowler as respective backups) - oh dear lord.

hight, skill, strength, lots of fight, pace assists and lots of goals. that would be some partnership

I highly dount we would get him... but it is a nice thought

certainly interesting. My only thought would be whether the team can handle possibly 3 nutcases (Bellamy, Zlatan and Pennant). As somone said earlier, the dressing room will certainly be a fun place to be

Jens from Sweden · « **Reply #32 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:57:42 am »

Quote from: suede lady on July 12, 2006, 08:55:01 am

Aftonbladet is a shite tabloid paper, not the most reliable of sources.

It is Balague´s exact words!

Garstonite · « **Reply #33 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:58:22 am »

Quote from: Jens from Sweden on July 12, 2006, 08:57:42 am

It is Balague´s exact words!

Where has Ballague been reported as to saying these things - in the same paper?

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #34 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:58:40 am »

Quote from: Garstonite on July 12, 2006, 08:52:01 am

I would be very disappointed if we signed him.

Surely you'd be disappointed if we signed someone like ade akinbye.... but you'd be VERY disappointed if we signed zlatan? the guy that scored 16 in the most defensive league in the world and had most assists last season.

well ok... ill give ade a call

Paul Tomkins · « **Reply #35 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:58:57 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 12, 2006, 08:39:49 am

While I share your reservations about his attitude Paul he is a young player who undeniably has lots of talent and the unpredictability required to open up massed defences of the sort that I'm sure we'll see at Anfield next season.

Assuming that Jens' stat that he had most assists in Serie A last season is correct, and I have no reason to doubt him, then this would imply that he is in fact more of a team player than you are giving him credit for, no?

If we manage to get him for a knock down price, then rather like Crouch, he will give us more possibilities, which can only be a good thing.

Well, if Rafa's genuinely interested then he'll certainly have been scouting the player intensively, and know what he's getting.

I just think that if Bellamy is considered to have mental problems, Zlatan is off the scale. Perhaps he could be a Cantona type and prove an inspiration. All I know is that whenever I've seen him he's disappointed me, and looked disinterested, but then you get to see a wonder goal on the internet and everyone feels he's the business, and I can see the temptation.

I'll happily admit that, in terms of playing style, he's different from anyone else we have. Should he sign I'll do my best to be open minded, but at the moment he's a player who fills me with a sense of unease, despite his undoubted ability.

Something Else · « **Reply #36 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:59:10 am »

Quote from: Jens from Sweden on July 12, 2006, 08:57:42 am

It is Balague´s exact words!

Balague has spoke shit a few times before has he not sayin his mate rafa had spoke to him and we were on for so and so and it not happened.

Like rafa would tell a journo anything tfriend or not.

he is just makin money out the spanish link between the 2 of them

TheRedBull · « **Reply #37 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:00:59 am »

Quote from: Hattori Hanzo on July 12, 2006, 08:26:02 am

For anyone that has seen juve games over the past two seasons, they will know he is top draw.

i am one of those and yes he is overrated but still better than Crouch by some distance.

suede lady · « **Reply #38 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:03:58 am »

it is not Balagues exact words, he said that Liverpool needs an attacker (which we do), that there has been speculation about players from the Spanish league (which there always is), and that there also are players in Juventus - including Ibra and Trezeguet - and that Rafa will wait and see what happens with the expected degradation.

Moreover, further up the article claims that Zlatan has agreed to go to Inter Milan, all that is missing is his signature as he is in Zweden on vacation.

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #39 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:04:45 am »

Quote from: TheRedBull on July 12, 2006, 09:00:59 am

i am one of those and yes he is overrated but still better Crouch by some distance.

He isn't overrated by me... it is easy to call someone overrated but it just depends... in general with all the "best player in the world" stuff, yeah that is overrating. I think he is a fantastic alround footballer though.