Tuttosport: Milan’s Ibrahimovic paradox – the Rossoneri double their average points without him starting

An interesting statistic has emerged regarding how AC Milan fare with and without Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the field so far in the first half of the season.

This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews) writes how two thirds of the points amassed by Milan in this first 19 games of the season came without Ibrahimovic. This is the great paradox of the Rossoneri because with the 40-year-old as a starter, the team average 1.38 points per game.

The return almost doubled (2.82 points per game) when counting the matches in which the Swede remained out. Obviously Stefano Pioli hopes that Ibra will be able to dispose of the discomfort in his left knee that prevented him from being there against Empoli and he will return versus Roma.

With more bodies back and the attack more complete, Pioli will be able to better manage Ibrahimovic’s energy levels, giving him the right dose of rest and putting him in the best place to succeed.


READ MORE: Milan surveying potential striker signings and make contact over Ligue 1 forward

Tags AC Milan Zlatan Ibrahimovic

7 Comments

  1. I dont understand pioli’s head, when ibra in good health he play him for full 90 minutes, thats insane he is 40 yrs old! And the outcome is exhausted, his muscle not that strong anymore. Give him 45 or 60 mins maximum

  2. When Z is on the pitch, Pioli fields Krunic + the others keep thinking Z will do all the work for them.

    The most crucial thing in previous match was that Krunic was on the bench. That’s what brought the 3 points – not the fact that Z was missing.

    1. You are totally correct, I do not like to bash players, but Krunic stops any momentum on the left side…..it would be better if he would just get out of the way rather than pretty much stop Theo from advancing the ball. Clearly evident last game. The other thing to be noted is that Pioli rests Ibra when playing average or below average teams so he will be rested to play tougher teams like Roma, or Inter were it is expected that it will be more difficult to score. This statistic means jack shit.

  3. Zlatan ibrahimovic is the best player in the world !this is nonsens counting before ibra came milan did not even smell cl when he arrived we were close to win league !dont touch the serie a best player !forza rossoneri

      1. Well said 3 of u. Bro u field krunic and diaz with ibra and say its his mistake. And then after he’s injured u field kessie cam sal lw and blame ur striker. If kessie plays behind ibra and rebic LW and if leao RW (if) than best team rebic and kessie will assisst ibra so well and ibra will also help kessie and leao. Cool attack. But our build up midfield mhm les see if bennacer is good with tonali i think he is. Baka made him bad. Baka should not be given 1 penny and should be out of team.

        1. agreed, statistic is bullshit, Pioli rests Ibra against mid or low level teams……and as expected goals against upper level teams are harder to get ……key to second half is having depth. Last year Meite was this years Baka, put him in at the end of a game expecting to tighten up the defense and continues to make bad passes and suck. Hard to get rid of something no one wants.

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