ALAN SHEARER thinks he can explain Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic's staggering form.
The 35-year-old hitman has lit up the Premier League since arriving at Old Trafford in a free transfer switch this summer.
And he took his season's tally up to 16 goals in 24 appearances with a brace against West Brom on Saturday.
The Swedish sensation's performances have been key to keeping Manchester United in reach of the top four.
And Shearer has now hailed the way the veteran approaches his career in a bid to keep up with his striking rivals.
Writing for The Sun, the Newcastle legend said: "If more players knew the emptiness that comes after their final ball is kicked, they might follow the likes of Ibrahimovic more closely in the way he looks after himself so they can extend their career as long as possible.
"Because this is a supreme athlete and supreme example to all players, young and old.
"After all he has achieved in the game it would be easy to take his foot off the pedal."
Ibrahimovic will be out to impress once again when Manchester United play host to Sunderland on Boxing Day.
Jose Mourinho's team sit sixth ahead of the showdown, three points adrift of fifth-place Tottenham.