With two goals in as many games and maximum bonus points on his Premier League debut, the Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.5) bandwagon is rolling at a pace. Given his prolific goal scoring record throughout his career coupled with his unerring confidence it is easy to make a case for his inclusion in the “must-have” bracket. After being snapped up by more than 69,000 Fantasy Premier League managers this week his ownership now stands at 45% and his first price rise of the season is expected overnight.
But if you scratch beneath the surface there are compelling reasons to look for value elsewhere.
Hard facts vs the Hype
1. Zlatan is not yet fully fit.
2. He failed to score in five games at the Euros.
3. He turns 35 next month. The oldest player to score 20+ goals in an Premier League season was Alan Shearer at 33.
4. He has two goals in two games but only four chances have come his way.
5. Wayne Rooney may well be reinstated as first choice penalty taker, while Zlatan will also face a challenge for free kick duties.
The perfect foil for Rooney
The man to benefit most from the arrival of Ibrahimovic could well be Wayne Rooney (9.0). Hampered by a deeper role and a defensive minded Louis Van Gaal last season Rooney struggled to shine. His price adjustment assumes a similar performance this season. After just two games our eyes are telling us something different. And the stats back it up, with seven shots, five on target, a goal and an assist. His touches are up on last season’s average. Quite simply, Rooney is rejuvenated. Retaining the captaincy was a big vote of confidence from Jose Mourinho and served to quickly heal his International wounds. Given that he is a player who thrives on having world class players around him then who better to hold the ball up and lay it off than Zlatan.
The verdict
A 2.5m saving by drafting in Rooney over Ibrahimovic is not to be sniffed at. It’s the type of saving that can enable an upgrade of a consistent midfielder like Dusan Tadic to a big hitting Fantasy jewel like Eden Hazard. It’s a big call to make and one that goes against general consensus but the smart money could be on Rooney over Zlatan this season.
7 years, 7 months ago
Is The Ibrahimovic Bandwagon Justified?
My sources say yes.