Los Angeles: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is only 17 games into his MLS career but it’s safe to say no player in the league’s 23-year history has had a bigger impact in a shorter timespan.
After Ibrahimovic scored three goals and added an assist on Sunday, lifting the Galaxy on his broad shoulders and carrying them to a 4-3 win over Orlando City at StubHub Center, it’s probably safe to say he’s just getting warmed up.
“Tonight,” he said with a smile, “was a good day.”
Better when you consider Ibrahimovic is doing all this at 36, just 15 months removed from major knee surgery.
“Even if my age is what it is, I’m still proving it’s not about the age, it’s about how you prepare, how I take care of myself,” he said. “People were worried [about] how old I am. Don’t worry about my age. Worry when I slow down.”
That day seems a long way off, said his coach.
“He’s the most physically imposing player this league has ever had at forward,” said Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid, who is in his 18th MLS season. “When Ibra posts up, it’s like Shaq O’Neal. You just don’t move him.
“And on top of that he still has vision. And on top of that he’s driven. He’s a motivated guy.”
