Papin ´hugely impressed´ by Ibrahimovic

Former France international Jean-Pierre Papin believes Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic can score more than 30 goals this season.

The Sweden international has already netted seven times in five Ligue 1 appearances so far, and Papin expects the towering forward to break his personal record of 28 league goals in a season that he set at AC Milan last term.

“It’s impossible to predict how many goals he will make. There will always be a few games without goals and injuries or suspensions. It will be difficult for him to keep up his current goal-to-games ratio,” Papin told RMC.

“He is surrounded by a great team and I think that he can surpass my 30 goals (from 1989-90). (Josip) Sklobar’s record tally of 44 goals might be a bridge too far, but he has still hugely impressed me.

“I don’t envy him, because he has different qualities than I had. It’s quite rare to see a player with his physical appearance move so smoothly in front of the goal. I really like his combination of power and finesse.

“He reminds me a bit of Marco van Basten. He has the same style of play, but is even more of a physical presence.”

Ibrahimovic will be looking to add to his tally on Thursday when PSG host Sochaux.