Zlatan Ibrahimovic loves to boast and has no lack of self-confidence. His league titles around Europe and amazing goals have placed him in the top echelon of players over the past decade. Even in MLS, Zlatan has already created several memorable moments, including his come-from-behind-victory brace against LAFC on his debut. But this time Zlatan has probably overestimated himself.
Ibrahimovic arrived in MLS in 2018 with the season already underway. While players typically need time to adjust to a new league — regardless of where they are playing — Zlatan is a different beast, the Lion, as he likes to say. He scored 22 goals and had 10 assists in 27 matches. He scored or created a goal every 67 minutes last season.
So at the LA Galaxy's media day and kit reveal when asked about the 2019 season, he did what he does — exude confidence in Zlatan.
“This season i will bring something to you. I will break every record in the @MLS this season.” - Zlatan on what he will deliver to the #LAGalaxy in 2019
— Adam Serrano (@AdamSerrano) February 18, 2019
Every record? Luckily, FC Dallas would like to field the response to that claim.
No #FakeNews here. pic.twitter.com/vUUeIST7On
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) March 6, 2019
The Galaxy travel to Frisco, Texas, to take on FC Dallas this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. You can catch the match on Univision or streaming on Twitter Live.
While this is a good use of social media, it's never a good idea to give Zlatan extra motivation to score. But Dallas will be feeling confident this weekend. It beat the Galaxy both times in 2018, winning 3-2 twice. And there is a chance the Lion won't even travel to Texas.
Schelotto says Zlatan did not train the last 2 days because of his Achilles and he isn’t sure Ibra will travel to Dallas on Fruday @LAGalaxy
— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) March 7, 2019
With the Galaxy already missing Romain Alessandrini and Sebastian Lletget returning to full fitness, LA may be forced into turning toward 16-year-old Efrain Alvarez again. Efraín Álvarez shared the headlines last week in the Galaxy's come-from-behind win over the Chicago Fire and has since become a talking point for his national team aspirations, being eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico. Dallas meanwhile was only able to get a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution.
Either way, let's hope for more Zlatan stunners this season and great social media banter between clubs.