Joshua Zirkzee aims to become Man Utd's new Ibrahimovic

After scoring on his debut with Manchester United against Fulham, Joshua Zirzkee has found himself in a bit of a slump, failing to score in three of his last matches with the Red Devils. Fortunately though, the striker was able to break the minor drought during the international break, as he scored on his first game for the Netherlands in their 5-2 victory over Bosnia. 

In an interview with the 'Mirror', Zirzkee talked about his new life at Manchester and named football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the player he wants to emulate. “I would love it if, in a few years’ time, people said that my game looks a bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic," said the Dutch player. "The start, with the winning goal against Fulham, was nice. Then we lost twice - and you know that at a big club like Manchester United the attention then comes full on".

Despite being goaless in three consecutive games, Zirzkee appears to be calm. “I believe it will be fine. I've always had that. I never doubted it would still work out with my career. As a player, you gradually discover what you need to do to get to the top level and what you must cut out," he said, as he also expressed his disappointment with his performance at Anfield Road. “The defeat against Liverpool was shameful. But when I see the team training, I do think we are on the right track. I missed chances against Liverpool. Did I get into the right position? Yes, but what is the point when the ball does not end up in the net?".

“I had really good talks with Erik ten Hag. It's unfortunate that the start was disappointing, but we know what we need to work on. Yes, it is about adjusting. Whether it is also tougher than Serie A? Yes, it could be. At Bologna, we had ball possession very often. In England, I feel the game undulates much more. It’s up and down and indeed different," he explained.

On comparing Man United with former club Bayern, the 24-year-old said: “At Bayern Munich I was lucky, it came naturally. You also see your teammates really gear their whole lives around football. You have to learn that. Rest, nutrition, working with your body. That work. That's what it takes to make it. And then comes Manchester United. If Manchester United come in for you then you go. I think United are bigger than Bayern Munich. It all happened quickly in the summer. I was at the Netherlands training camp in Wolfsburg for the Euros when United's interest came in. I haven’t even said goodbye to the club and people at Bologna yet. I hope I will get that opportunity, because I had a great time there in an important time of my career," he revealed.

Now at United, Zirzkee has voiced his ambition to lead the frontlines at club and national level. “We are working here on me having to at the point of the attack to score goals. Now it’s my dream to be the No 1 striker for club and country. You train, you do your best and then you find out whether you can keep up with the level". The striker will be hoping to initiate his route to become first-choice striker with Manchester United's EFL Cup game against Barnsley on Tuesday.

 

September 15, 2024