Ex-Chelsea star Alex singles out Ibrahimovic as his favourite striker

Bruno Andrade

Ex-Chelsea star Alex singles out Ibrahimovic as his favourite striker image

Alex played with some of the greatest strikers of his generation in a trophy-laden career - but the ex-Chelsea defender believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the pick of the bunch. 

The former Brazil international represented the likes of Santos, the Blues, PSV and Paris Saint-Germain before being forced out of the game due to injury in 2016. 

During that time he played behind Ibrahimovic, Didier Drogba, Andrei Shevchenko and Patrick Kluivert to name just a few of the top strikers who starred alongside him. 

But it was Zlatan, who lined up with Alex at PSG and is now starring in MLS with the LA Galaxy, who left the biggest impression on the centre-back. 

"Who was the best striker? It's a very difficult question. I particularly like Ibra much more, although unfortunately I did not play with him at Inter Milan and Juventus, where he had his best seasons," he told Goal.

"For me he is more complete... But it is very difficult to answer. I saw Drogba and Shevchenko scoring in almost every game at Chelsea. They solved games on their own. The question is a tough one, but I choose Ibra."

While Zlatan has made his fair share of headlines for his on-pitch exploits, he is also famed for his super-confident public persona. 

Alex, however, believes that his propensity for causing controversy is of little importance when compared to his dedication to the game.

"He does it all for fun, he likes to create controversy for fun. He is not a bad person," he added. 

"He sometimes goes to an interview prepared to create a controversy, something that everyone will be talking about. He is an excellent professional, he is a player that energises those around him.

"Of course it is not easy to play alongside him, as it was with Lucas Moura in PSG, who had a bit of difficulty in the beginning. His energy can sometimes be frightening."

Ibrahimovic moved to the Galaxy on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2018, and has to date hit three goals in his first five games in MLS.
 

Bruno Andrade

Bruno Andrade Photo