Soccer:Sweden defender Jonas Olsson does not think four-goal hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic has received the respect in England that is shown to him in other parts of the world. But Olsson, who is likely to be in the Sweden side when they resume their qualifying campaign against Ireland next March, believes that will change after Ibrahimovic destroyed England during Sweden's 4-2 win last night in the Friends Arena.
Ibrahimovic has now moved onto 39 goals and third position in his country’s all-time list of marksmen after a stunning show, topped of by an outrageous 25-yard overhead kick fourth. Olsson said: “Everywhere else other than England, Zlatan has received the credit he deserves. I don’t know why that is but he really showed what he can do. I’m sure the English media and English people will look at him differently after this!
“Zlatan was the difference. I know the English media haven’t treated him very respectfully over his career but now he showed what he is capable of.”
Olsson was full of praise for the superb finish from Ibrahimovic for the fourth goal. He said: “The fourth goal, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it. It was as good as it gets. For me, Zlatan is up there with Messi and Ronaldo.”
Only Sven Rydell, with 49 goals and Gunnar Nordahl, 43, lie ahead of Ibrahimovic amongst Sweden’s goalscorers. Olsson said: “I think the people in front of him played in the 1920s and 1930s when 7-5 was a commonplace sort of score. Zlatan is unbelievable for us and this year he has been the difference.
He has had a fantastic year club-wise but also in the national team I don’t think he has ever been as good as he is now. Ever since Erik Hamren took over as coach, I think he has enjoyed it. He is the skipper, and the way he is playing at the moment, hopefully he is going to be around for a long time.”
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