Edin Džeko’s form this season can’t exactly be shunned as being below par, especially when you consider he plays for a team with that many super-stars, squad rotation is an inevitability, that has to be dealt with, writes givemefootball.com
However, whilst the Bosnian can almost guarantee himself a spot in the international side no matter where he travels to, his impressive form doesn’t seem to make him a staple to City’s strike force.
Recording 12 goals in 24 league appearances this campaign might not seem like such a feat when you look at Leagues current top goal scorers, however what does make it more impressive is when you look at his time spent on the pitch.
There have been a number of games where Džeko has come on a substitute, and thanks to his calm, cool composure and precise finishing – as well as confidence in his own ability, has seen him slot the ball in the back of the net numerous times sheer minutes after gracing the pitch with his presence.
His ability to provide pure class when invoked from the bench is over shadowed by his unfortunate habit of turning less admirable performances in when given starts, something you wouldn’t expect from a £27 million signing from Wolfsburg – a price tag that at the time looked to be more of a bargain than a rip off.
Whilst his 13 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions might look on par with Argentinean duo Aguero and Tevez, who have 11 goals in 28 matches and 15 goals in 33 matches respectively, how can Mancini justify leaving out one of his top goal scorers this?
A tactical edge could be one reason he is succumbed to be bench week in week out, with his large frame and decent ball control allowing a switch in tactical gameplay when he walks out onto the pitch – shifting from a quick passing game to a long ball game, Džeko the key component in this.
Mancini did mention he is an “important player”, however he didn’t exactly play down the possibility of a summer exit for the Bosnian.
If Mancini wants to start a plan for Premier League and Champions League glory, he is going to need players like Džeko in his squad – players who can find the net when it needs to be found.
