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Wales forward Kieffer Moore says he watches videos of world-class strikers in a bid to improve his game, one of which is Swedish icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The pair have a similar stature and aggressive style of play, with both enjoying the physical nature of football.
Wales striker likens approach to that of Ibrahimovic
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Moore is part of Rob Page’s 26-man Wales squad for the 2022 World Cup. The nation meet the USA in their opener later today. And Bournemouth striker Moore is relishing the physical battles that await in Qatar.
“Along with the physical side, not many people you come up against like that side of the game,” said Moore, as reported by BBC Sport.
“It is a bit of a rarity now and something you can pull on.
“You can dominate the person you are up against in a physical and aggressive way. I like to lean against stuff where I think I can have an advantage.
“One player that springs to mind [like that] is Zlatan. You can see his physical prowess, the way he holds himself, his character and the way he plays football.
“I have watched countless videos of virtually every striker worth watching. I like to analyse a lot of other people to see if that can help me and I feel I have learned a whole lot of stuff from those videos.”
Moore in “conscious effort” to avoid giving away fouls
Moore is aware that his physicality has led to greater scrutiny from referees, and Wales boss Page has since told him to jump for the ball without swinging his arms.
Cheap yellow cards is certainly something both Page and Moore will want to avoid in Qatar. The striker has been booked in four of his last seven Wales matches.
But the 6 ft 5 in Bournemouth man says he has adapted his game in order to avoid getting into trouble with match officials.
“I have made a real conscious effort of working around it for the last year or so,” said Moore.
“As dumb as it sounds, it’s not so much jumping without your arms but trying to lever yourself in that kind of way and doing different stuff to still have the same impact.”
Striker relishing Wales versus England encounter
Born in Torquay, Moore made one appearance for England C back in 2016.
But he has since chosen to represent Wales at international level, and is able to do so through his Welsh grandfather. The striker is relishing the opportunity to take on the country of his birth.
He has already scored past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford this season, netting in Bournemouth’s 3-0 Premier League win over Everton earlier this month. Moore netted a trademark header as the Cherries eased past the Toffees at Vitality Stadium on 12th November.
“There will be no mixed loyalties,” said Moore. “I can’t remember much [about being capped by England C].
“It was Estonia maybe and I think I came on towards the end of the game.”
Moore has scored four goals from his 15 Bournemouth matches this season. Speaking about his goal against Pickford, the striker added: “It is nice to get one up already.”
This is a moment in history.
A moment we share together.
A moment that inspires the future.🏴 #ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/RVfrBYDBQe
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 21, 2022
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