Serie A: AC Milan surges in the standings thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is setting records while helping AC Milan to finally surge up the standings, a needed boost for a team that’s underperformed in recent years.

The Serie A Christmas break and subsequent January transfer window is often a way for teams to reboot their seasons.

For AC Milan, who have been struggling the past few years, this month has brought with it newfound success. The primary reason: Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The return of the Swedish striker to Italy’s top flight garnered much fanfare. In return, Ibrahimovic has delivered for the club he had already once played for. The result has been a string of victories and a quick surge up the standings.

“Zlatan is proving that he is not just a decoration or a statue, but a great player, performing on the field,” manager Stefano Pioli told reporters earlier this month.

The 38 year old, who played last season for the Los Angeles Galaxy, signed with AC Milan as a free agent. He had previously played for the storied club for two seasons from 2010 to 2012.

Since Ibrahimovic’s return, the Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last four league matches and vying for a place in Europe for next season. They now have their sights on a top four finish, something unheard of just a month ago before Ibrahimovic’s arrival. The only way Ibrahimovic can defend his arrogance is by backing it up on the field. He’s once again doing that.

He’s also breaking records. Ibrahimovic reached a milestone 150 Italian league wins two weeks ago, setting a new record, when he helped AC Milan beat Udinese 3-2. He needed just 222 matches to achieve the feat and surpass former Inter Milan and Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

While all eyes remain on Juventus, Inter Milan and Lazio in the hunt for the title, AC Milan should not be overlooked — or underestimated.

The upcoming Milan derby on Feb. 9 at the San Siro could be the Rossoneri’s chance to crush Inter’s title hopes. AC Milan’s 1-0 win against Brescia was another showcase of Ibrahimovic’s talents (he squandered a few clear chances to score), but another rising star on this team, Ante Rebic, helped seal the win.

April also brings with it some intriguing matches. AC Milan travel to Rome on April 5 to take on Lazio, while the Rossoneri host Juventus a week later.

Again, Ibrahimovic has the chance to show that he’s still got what it takes to face the best players of the moment: Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Juve’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

What would have otherwise been a mundane season for AC Milan has become one to watch thanks to Ibrahimovic. That he chose to sign with the Rossoneri and give Serie A another go says a lot about Ibrahimovic’s competitive nature.

It remains to be seen how AC Milan will finish this season. The only sure thing is that Ibrahimovic has made a difference for them already.