Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives verdict on his son after playing against Liverpool

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is pleased for his son after playing against Liverpool for the U19s on Tuesday.

The Swedish footballing legend has taken on a senior adviser role at AC Milan following his retirement from playing in June 2023 but the family name is still heavily involved among the playing ranks at the San Siro, with Ibrahimovic Jr signing his first professional deal with the Serie A giants this summer.

Maximilian, 17, has followed in his father's footsteps but has taken a slightly different route in terms of position, primarily operating as a left-winger as opposed to a striker like Zlatan. Nonetheless, his performances have clearly been enough to see him rewarded with a long-term deal.

• Liverpool news and transfers LIVE build-up to AC Milan clash as three players' roles revealed
• AC Milan legend and Man Utd icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes his feelings clear on Liverpool

In fact, Maximilian already has three goals in four games for Milan's Under-20 side this season and played a part in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League earlier today - where his father was watching on with a very keen eye.

And speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of the main event between the senior sides tonight, Zlatan revealed how pleased he is with his son's progress, although concedes it is tough on him due to his own reputation.

"Yes, he almost scored today. They played 0-0 so I'm happy for him," Ibrahimiovic said. "He needs to work. It's not easy because of who I am. But he's strong and I push as a father. It's the only thing I can do. Then I judge him in my role, like every other player. But even for me, he needs to show himself."

Last season, Maximilian found the net on three occasions in 29 appearances for Milan's U18's, although he is yet to make his senior bow for the Rossoneri. However, with Paulo Fonseca's side winning just one of its four Serie A games so far this season, his chance to shine may come sooner than expected.

At just 17, though, he has plenty of room to grow and improve, so a first-team debut may still be a way off, but with a dad in Zlatan, there is every reason to believe he can reach those high levels required to break into the senior squad.

As for Liverpool, Arne Slot's side will be hoping to go one better than the youth team did this afternoon and claim a victory over its Italian opponents in their 2024-25 Champions League opener, where the Dutchman has made two changes to the side which lost to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Kostas Tsimikas and Cody Gakpo have come in for Andy Robertson at left-back and Luis Diaz at left-wing, respectively, as Slot freshens things up in the hope of claiming all three points and getting back to winning ways.