Manchester United defender Phil Jones insists that striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a ‘focal point’ this season as the big Swede is only getting better week after week in the Premier League.
The 35-year old was initially ruled out as yet another flop signed by Manchester United as he had a slow start but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 17 goals for the club so far this season and has scored 11 goals in their last 10 games across all competitions.
He is only next to Diego Costa in the highest goal scorers in the league as he managed 12 so far and have been simply brilliant in their 3-1 win against Sunderland as he scored one and assisted two others proving his importance in the final third.
‘He’s a big focal point for our team,’ Jones said.
‘He’s a handful. He’s a big, strong man and he knows where the back of the net is. He’s got great feet and his link-up play, the way he brings others into play, is superb.
‘He gives you that outlet when you are under pressure. Obviously, we don’t want to keep knocking the ball long in games, but if you have to then he’s always there to receive it and he makes life very difficult for defenders.’
Zlatan’s 17 goal tally is already equal to Anthony Martial’s tally last season who was the highest goalscorer for the club under Louis van Gaal. At 35, Zlatan is still able to maintain his high level as he also became the second footballer to score 50 goals at club level in 2016.
Manchester United are already mooting over extending his contract to the summer of 2018 which will see him play for Red Devils until he is close to 37 as Jose Mourinho is absolutely confident of his star.
With hardly half the season finished, it remains to be seen how many more goals Zlatan will manage as he is peaking his form week after week.