Sweden heads to Euro 2016 with a team that is best described as mediocre. The Swedes are not renowned for producing highly-skilled teams, more hard working and hard to beat teams, so their current team’s lack of flair is hardly surprising.
One man that does not lack flair though is star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who even at 35-years-old has the skill and personality to light up a pitch with his performances. The striker heads into the tournament on the back of his most prolific goal scoring campaign of his career.
Despite his goals, he will leave French giants PSG in search of glory elsewhere. Media reports suggest that Premier League Manchester United are the favourites to sign him this summer, but for now he will need to concentrate on his national team.
Sweden have been given a difficult draw alongside the much-fancied Belgians, the battled-hardened Italy and underdogs the Republic of Ireland. The Swedes would have to see getting through to the knockout stages as success.
If the Scandinavians have any chance of making the last 16, then their star striker will have to be at his majestic best. He leads by example for his country, as his 11 goals in qualifying confirmed and everybody connected with the country will be looking for Ibrahimovic to be the match-winner.
Ibrahimovic has the weight of expectation of his country, but he is accustomed to that and thrives when he is the centre of attention. However good the striker is he is just one man. His teammates need to step-up and prove that they are more than just a one-man team.