AC Milan’s Tactical Resurgence: Analyzing Ibrahimović’s Influence in 2020-21
The 2020-21 Serie A season saw AC Milan re-emerge as one of Italy’s most formidable teams, posting their strongest campaign in over ten years. Under the stewardship of Stefano Pioli, the Rossoneri implemented a tactical approach perfectly tailored to get the most from their experienced stars and rising talents alike. While many squad members excelled, Zlatan Ibrahimović stood out as the team’s driving force, both for his goal-scoring feats and overall impact on Milan’s attacking and build-up play.
A Breakdown of AC Milan’s Formation and Key Players
AC Milan largely operated in a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, which became the foundation of their success. This setup allowed Pioli to maximize the strengths of his squad while providing tactical flexibility throughout the season.
Between the posts, Gianluigi Donnarumma was the unmistakable first choice, consistently delivering assured performances. The defensive line revolved around the reliable partnership of Simon Kjær and Alessio Romagnoli at center-back, with Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori joining the rotation and solidifying the backline during the latter half of the season.
The full-back positions saw Davide Calabria reclaim his place on the right, thriving in both attack and defense. On the left, Theo Hernández proved a revelation since his 2019 arrival from Real Madrid, continually providing width and offensive support.
In central midfield, Ismaël Bennacer and Franck Kessié formed a sturdy double pivot, valued for their balance of defensive coverage and ball progression. This partnership kept highly capable deputies like Sandro Tonali, Rade Krunić, and Soualiho Meïté as rotational options.
On the flanks, Ante Rebić and Alexis Saelemaekers were typically favored, with depth added by Jens Petter Hauge and Samuel Castillejo throughout the campaign. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, previously deployed wide or deeper in midfield, flourished as the creative playmaker (“trequartista”), thriving just behind the lone striker.
Dominating the front line was Zlatan Ibrahimović. At 39 years old, the Swedish striker was not only a consistent goal-scorer but also a focal point who elevated Milan’s tactical approach in numerous ways.
Zlatan Ibrahimović: More Than Just a Striker
While Ibrahimović’s reputation as an elite goal-scorer is well-established, his influence within Milan’s attack extends much further than simply finding the net. A central tenet of Pioli’s tactics was leveraging Zlatan’s unique skill set to unlock opportunities for his teammates and disrupt defensive structures.
Standing at 195 cm, Ibrahimović compensates for waning pace with a masterful use of physical presence. He excels at holding up play under pressure, frequently winning aerial duels and inviting teammates to advance into promising positions. By battling opponents for long balls and retaining possession high up the pitch, he accelerates Milan’s build-up and creates space for supporting runners.
One clear example of his influence occurred in a clash against Juventus, where his positioning occupied both opposing center-backs. This, in turn, allowed Çalhanoğlu to exploit vacated space in the penalty area and threaten the goal, illustrating Ibrahimović’s impact even when not directly on the ball.
Facilitating Build-Up Play and Transitional Attacks
Modern forwards are increasingly expected to participate in all phases of play, and Ibrahimović is no exception. At Milan, his responsibilities extended deep into build-up phases and transitions.
During organized possession, Zlatan frequently dropped into midfield to receive passes, using his strength to shield the ball and draw opposition defenders out of position. This created passing lanes for Milan’s fullbacks and wingers, empowering them to attack down the flanks. The team’s passing maps from various matches highlight their tendency to channel possession through Ibrahimović, reflecting their reliance on his ability to maintain attacks under pressure.
In fast transitions, his role was equally vital. As teammates surged forward, Ibrahimović functioned as a dependable outlet for vertical passes, holding up the play, recycling possession, and dragging defenders out of their shape. This allowed advancing teammates to exploit gaps and mount dangerous counters—most notably displayed in Milan’s victory over Bologna, where Ibrahimović’s movement and distribution set the stage for attacking runs from deep.
Leadership, Presence, and Enduring Excellence
Across the 2020-21 campaign, Ibrahimović’s numbers were as impressive as his on-pitch presence. By the season’s midpoint, he had amassed 15 goals in just 16 Serie A appearances. Yet, the true value he brought to Milan was his multifaceted contribution—serving as a reliable target for direct play, creating time and space for others, and instilling confidence in a youthful squad.
Ibrahimović’s leadership, both in leading the line and galvanizing teammates, transformed Milan into a side capable of scoring in a variety of ways and adapting to complex tactical scenarios. His combination of technical ability, strength, and football intelligence helped lay the groundwork for AC Milan’s resurgence as title contenders.
Conclusion: Ibrahimović’s Enduring Legacy at AC Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s return to AC Milan for the 2020-21 season proved crucial to their marked improvement. Despite being in the twilight of his career, his performance levels and overall influence set him apart not only as a goal threat but as a transformative presence in Pioli’s system. His function as a target man, playmaker, and leader made Milan one of the most dynamic teams in Serie A, underpinning their campaign with experience and quality.
Ibrahimović’s tactical prowess and adaptability ensure that, regardless of age, he remains an indispensable asset—one whose impact is felt far beyond mere statistics. The 2020-21 season stands as testament to his lasting legacy in European football and AC Milan’s ongoing revival.
