Zlatan Ibrahimović might be struggling in the Premier League this season following his move to Manchester United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, but the popularity of the 35-year-old has not taken any kind of a dip. An icon in modern football, the Swedish superstar is a national hero in his native Sweden. When a 17-year-old striker who is just rising to prominence is already being christened as the ‘Next Zlatan Ibrahimović’ in Sweden, you can understand how special a talent he is.
ESPN claims that Chelsea have moved ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus in the race to sign AIK attacker Alexander Isak. Last week, reports claimed negotiations over a move to French champions PSG for Sweden under-21 international Isak were under way and that AIK would hold out for around €15m but latest reports suggest that Chelsea have offered €16m.
The Swedish youngster scored 10 goals in 24 Allsvenskan appearances last season and is quite deservedly attracted interest from a number of European elites. He was awarded his debut in February this year in a Cup game and scored one of the goals in the 6-0 route becoming AIK Solna’s youngest goalscorer at the age of just 16 years 5 months and 7 days.
Isak is touted as ‘Next Zlatan Ibrahimović’ due to his unique combination of pace, technique and power. Standing 6’3″ tall, the youngster’s physical built is remarkable for a kid who is just 17 years old. The 17-year-old has a good burst of pace in his locker and can lead the line on his own. The Swedish under-21 international likes to make runs through channels and his hold up play is also solid.
Tall strikers are not naturally the best when it comes to technical ability and ball control but Ibrahimović is an exception. The Swedish icon possesses an excellent ball control and can dribble through tight spaces. His so-called heir Isak has a similar ability which is impressive and has caught the attention of a number of European giants.
Isak needs to careful while choosing his next destination. Chelsea are not particularly a club who are the best for the young players. We have seen players losing their way in the club’s not so famous loan policy. Ones who quit the club have made their names like De Bruyne or Lukaku while some, like Christensen, Ake, Kenedy, Traore and many more, are still plying their trade on loan for various clubs.
There are players like Lucas Piazon, Josh McEarchan who could not even fulfil their potential after being shipped out on loan for seasons after seasons. So, there are plenty of things Isak needs to think of before he signs for Chelsea.
