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| | Thursday 20 November, 2008 | | Blog: Bewitched by Ibra | |
Are Inter running the risk of becoming Ibra-addicted? Giovanni Spinella takes a look at the side which may just be a one-man team
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Every once in a generation a big club finds a world-class player who ties himself inextricably to that side’s colours. By dint of talent, commitment and skill, that individual becomes the team’s symbol.
Napoli had Diego Maradona, Arsenal Thierry Henry, Manchester United Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus Michel Platini and Alex Del Piero, Roma Francesco Totti. In three short years, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become that guy for Inter.
Far more than Ronaldo or Adriano ever could, Ibra has captured the hearts and the imaginations of Inter’s tifosi and of football lovers everywhere. The goals he manages to create out of thin air, the plays he invents, the moves he makes on the pitch all bewitch fans and opponents alike.
When such a person appears, the club inevitably starts to shape itself around him, with players chosen to complement their star and give him the room necessary to work his magic.
But such a policy is risky. Football today can submit players to a gruelling succession of games and the ace, like anyone, will need a break. When that happens, the team can suddenly reveal unexpected weaknesses. If the side’s engine gives way, the entire mechanism grinds to a halt.
This is the danger Inter are in today. Ibrahimovic has played almost every game so far this season and even his endurance isn’t limitless. But more importantly, Inter are showing a dearth of top-class talent to play alongside him.
Adriano has once again failed, Hernan Crespo has barely even seen the pitch, nor has Mario Balotelli. Julio Cruz, Inter’s gardener, is a reliable striker but Inter have yet to confirm that they want to keep him on, undermining his confidence.
Not only that, but with Ricardo Quaresma’s difficulties in adapting to Serie A and Luis Figo’s injury, it’s up to the Swede to carry the side on his large shoulders. So far Ibra has been doing so admirably. Inter on are on a victory-induced high, embellished by Zlatan’s spectacular goals.
But for how long can Ibra last? Inter supporters are obviously hoping at least as long as the big game against Juventus on Saturday. But when Zlatan finally has to pause, the Nerazzurri might discover that all highs must end in an inevitable crash.
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As good as Ibra has been, he still fails to deliver in any capacity against the big boys. I'm an Inter fan, but I fully expect Chiellini to have Zlatan in his back pocket all Saturday night. The fact that we haven't won at home to Juve since 2004 is not a good omen!
It doesn't help when Mourinho is dropping the lads left, right and centre for the most pathetic reasons. I'm convinced Balotelli will leave in January, so what has Jose contributed since arriving? Angry, upset players in Mario, Crespo, Cruz and Adriano, and he never gave Suazo a look in. Mourinho is full of it, and that's why I expect Juve to romp to victory Saturday – 2, 3 maybe even 4-1.
Anon
Great Piece! I couldn't agree with you more on this issue. What I find most shocking about the situation is the fact that Inter seem content to put all their hopes on Zlatan's shoulders, to the point that every weekend they're expecting Ibrahimovic to win the game on his own.
I feel like Mourinho has not been entirely fair to Zlatan in the sense that he has frozen out Adriano, with whom Zlatan was playing well, and ostracized Cruz with whom Zlatan built a strong playing relationship under Mancini.
He also has cut Ibra short by signing Ricardo Quaresma and Sulley Muntari, neither of whom are the good passing and unselfish players that Zlatan should be working with. The inconsistency in Mourinho's starting XI has made it very hard for Zlatan to develop good understanding with fellow attackers. I didn't think I'd ever say this but I think Mancini was a better Coach for Ibrahimovic.
Carl A Johnsson, Malmö, Sweden
I agree with your main point Gio….from an attacking perspective a lot of Inter’s plays involve or are conjured up by Ibra. But even as a Milan fan, I can’t completely agree with your assessment as Inter being a one-man team.
Players like Maicon and Julio Cesar are some of the finest in their positions in the world and even the much despised Vieira seems to be finding his form again. I think the problem lies in the fact that they don’t necessarily have strikers who are producing goals and making contributions regularly outside of Ibra.
But Mourinho could argue that the need hasn’t arisen yet. If Ibra does need a break or does get injured, I’m sure Balotelli and Mancini will see more playing time….and could yet prove you wrong.
To make a similar comparison, Milan are said to be overly dependent on Pirlo, but when he finally did cave in to injury and was absent for two months, Milan did just fine because they were able to use the other players in that position to effectively replace him and play a slightly modified system. Perhaps Inter will have to do the same and play two powerful strikers like Cruz and Adriano up front with young Mario in support.
Arjun
"By dint of talent, commitment and skill", you are joking really aren't you? This is one of the funniest blogs I've ever read. Cantona, C. Ronaldo, Maradona and Ibrahimovic, whilst incredibly gifted footballers, are some of the greatest mercenaries the game has ever produced.
Cantona defected terribly from Leeds, Ronaldo wants to go to Real and is holding Utd to ransom over a new contract. Maradona defected from Barca under a hail storm, and saving the best for last - Ibrahimovic.
He's the highest paid player for Inter, so he should be putting performances like the recent ones in as the norm rather than just a good run, and he's no man to rely on when the chips are down.
It's an insult to mention the above in the same breath as Del Piero and Totti (or Maldini, Giggs etc) that have actually stuck with their clubs through all the ups and downs. You may as well have cited Luis Figo while you were at it! Hilarious…
Tommy, Ireland
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