Premier League 2016-17 awards: 5 best forwards

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal shoots as Antonio Barragan of Middlesbrough attempts to block during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Arsenal at Riverside Stadium on April 17, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the five best forwards in the Premier League

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of anchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on April 4, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United

Goal points per 90 minutes played: 4.95

Why did anybody ever doubt him? Well, because he was turning 35 early in this season and he had spent the previous four years knocking around in the relative backwaters of Ligue 1.

Many believed the pace and physicality of the Premier League may prove too much for the Swede, but he has showed that has not been the case at all. In all competitions this season, the veteran has bagged a hugely impressive 28 goals.

But at what cost has Zlatan had success on a personal level? It seems that United are too focused on getting the most out of Ibrahimovic at the cost of their other attackers.

Zlatan may have 15 non-penalty league goals, but no other United player has more than six. He has played virtually every minute of every game when available. The progress of exciting youngsters like Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford may have been compromised as a result.

Like Sanchez, Ibrahimovic has scored more times on the road this season, though both of his big game goals — against Manchester City and Liverpool — have been at Old Trafford. No player has missed more clear-cut chances than Zlatan in the Premier League this season, though, and if he’d scored a few of those he’d be higher up this list.

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