Bayern Munich are notorious for snatching young talent from the rest of the German football ecosystem, but their transfer activity often casts a shadow over the quality of their own academy. Thomas Müller, Philipp Lamm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Alaba and Mats Hummels all came via Saebener Strasse and the recent graduates are Jamal Musiala and Joshua Zerzky.
Defenders have been terrorized by the Ibrahimovic name over the past two decades, and if they believe Zlatan’s retirement will mean the end of that legacy, they have a sinister surprise in store. Arjon Ibrahimovic comes from Bayern’s new, modern academy, a player who may not only emulate his name but have the potential to transcend it.
Who is Arregon Ibrahimovic?
The right-footed attacking midfielder, Arrejon Ibrahimovic, is arguably the highest-rated player in the Bayern Munich academy currently. The 16-year-old has roots in Kosovo, but he has been to the German youth team and could represent either country still at a senior level.
Ibrahimovic began his formal training at Greuther Furth before moving to his hometown club Nuremberg. He signed with Bayern Munich in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since.
Arjon Ibrahimovic potential
Still well into his teenage years, Ibrahimovic has already established himself as one of the most promising talents in Germany. He trained with the first team several times and was also on the bench for Bayern’s defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach in January as the first team struggled with an injury and crisis.
Bayern Munich’s seat for a Bundesliga match consists entirely of reserve players and an underage team, with two teenagers in the squad as well. Nemanja Mutika (2003) had a solid season in the B team and Arijon Ibrahimovi (2005) is a very exciting prospect. https://t.co/qtpG34puoE
Scouting football (scoutedftbl) January 7 2022
The young player played 10 international matches with the under-17 team and scored 8 goals for him, taking advantage of the opportunities available to him. Ibrahimovic has been described as the natural heir to the likes of Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller.
SKILLS AND PLAYING STYLE
Perhaps the greatest strength of Arregon is its versatility. He’s played in midfield and across the attack line behind the Bayern Under-19 striker this season. His best position seems to be an 8 or 10 attack turn, where he is free to pull strings and create holes.
Ibrahimovic’s dribbling has often been highlighted as his best technical aspect. His graceful movements with the ball evoke memories of Mesut Ozil and his ability to navigate tight spaces using this skill is invaluable.
The youngster also has an exceptional eye for goal, which has seen him push into more offensive and central roles during his short career thus far. He has a strong right foot and always manages to drift or create space to take shots. Besides his ability to link attacks, Ibrahimovic looks like a natural heir to Thomas Muller in the hole behind the striker.
arijon ibrahimovic stats
Ibrahimovic’s interference in goal, for someone who is not an out-and-out striker, is amazing. He has 11 goals and 17 assists in 34 matches with Bayern Munich’s U-17 and U-19 teams in the German Youth League, UEFA Youth League and DFB Bukkale Youth Cup. This gives him 0.51 goals he scores every 90 minutes, which is still less than his xG of 0.56 per 90 (according to Wyscout data).
He also has good basic numbers, trying 4.45 dribbles per 90 with more than half of them successful and taking 4.03 shots with 38% of them on target. In modern football there is little room for slack and Ibrahimovic’s defensive numbers are also impressive – he makes nearly 3 interceptions and more than 4 rebounds per 90.
Argon’s pass numbers are good too, but he’s more of a transmitter and receiver than a starter. He may be looking to add this weapon to his armory as he advances in his career.
future
Arjon Ibrahimovic already has a lot of eyeballs, but it looks like his near future will be at the Allianz Arena. Last year, he signed a new contract with the German champions that will keep him at the club until 2024. It is also clear that coach Julian Nagelsmann considers him a future asset given his involvement with the first team already.
He turned 16 just a few months ago, but many believe he is ready to rise to the level of football. However, Bayern should look to give him experience on loan next season or with his second team (usually the U-23) rather than sack him from the first team.
Clubs from Germany and abroad, including Salzburg, are interested in Arrejon Ibrahimovic. 16-yo is determined to establish himself at Bayern Munich for the long term. At the moment, the club wants Ibrahimovic to develop into the Under-19 team with the aim of integrating FCB II next season [@kerry_hau] pic.twitter.com/w2MKap3xDi
Bayern and Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 24 2022
Ibrahimovic also has a decision on his national team. It might be faster than one would think, especially if he was maintaining his current rate of progress. Bayern have a fairly old squad with the likes of Muller, Lewandowski and Neuer nearing the end of their careers. However, they also have a lot of well-established young talents in Davis, Upamecano and Mosiala. Arjon Ibrahimovic may be the next to join this group and he may just be a pick from among the group.
