Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be superior to Lionel Messi: Arrigo Sacchi

Zlatan and Messi are considered to be two of the most gifted footballers in the world

Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have been 'superior to Lionel Messi' if he was a better team player. The legendary manager was speaking to Italian radio channel Radio 2 where he discussed the current situation of his old club and its transfer strategy.

And one of the possible targets being linked to Milan is Ibrahimovic who has only a year left on his contract and has previously played for the San Siro side recently from 2010-2012.

“Ibrahimovic is one of the greats. If football were an individual sport, I think he would even be superior to Messi. This is a great strength, but also a limitation if he cannot work in synergy with the others,” Sacchi said.

To further explain the difference between team game and individual brilliance, the Italian manager compared two players from the all-conquering AC Milan team that he managed.

“After all, I had in my team players like Marco van Basten and George Weah. George certainly had more potential in terms of technique, but Van Basten was perfectly connected to the team and this multiplied his influence. It gave a sense to our football.

“We always talk about football as if it were a sport for individuals, but unfortunately for us it is not and therefore we must understand that what counts is the motor. The motor is the style of football that does not come from the abilities of the individual, but from the plan and hard work.”