Edin Dzeko has just been announced as the Etihad Airways Player of the Month(s) for August and September, an award the Bosnian fully deserves.In a period in which City have started slowly Edin was Mr. Reliable. Hard-working, patient and above all, totally committed to the team. Tevez and Aguero are City's starting strikers, there's no debating that. The two Argentines put in some electric performances towards the latter end of last season and I'm not sure there are many City fans that would disagree with the pair leading the line.The question then arises as to who is City's third choice striker, the man that Roberto Mancini will turn to in order to get a crucial goal, and more often than not, save City's blushes. It should be Mario Balotelli. It really should. Mario has the talent and ability to change a game, no matter the opponents, as we saw in the 6-1 humiliation of United and his unbelievable performance against Germany at Euro 2012.
Mario's off field exploits are well documented, whilst his tendency to give into frustration on the field has left Mancini turning to Edin rather than the temperamental Italian and Dzeko hasn't let Mancini down. Throughout his City career Dzeko has scored 8 goals from the substitute's bench, 6 goals in the 90th minute or later and amazingly, every time Dzeko has scored in the league, City have gone on to win. Dzeko has scored more goals than Balotelli in a shorter period of time, and doesn't cause anywhere near as much grief for Mancini. When Dzeko signed for City in January 2011 he was only able to score 2 league goals that season, prompting many to declare him a waste of money. But Dzeko works hard, and is constantly improving; the Bosnian started the title-winning season like a man possessed, single-handedly humiliating Spurs. He was victim to squad rotation whilst at his peak and the hot streak came to an end. If there was one criticism of Dzeko it would be that he relies on his confidence enormously, if the crowd start to get on his back, he will struggle.No one will ever forget Sergio Aguero's heart-stopping winner on the final day of last season, but many will forget Dzeko's contribution. I'd compare him to James Milner, Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott. All are players that often come under criticism, even from City fans, and yet the difference is noticeable without them in the team. Take the recent 3-0 win over Sunderland for example, all three Englishman were instrumental in the best display of the season. Whilst David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany may take the plaudits, the tenacity, work rate and passion of the three Brits should never go unnoticed.Dzeko's name has always been mentioned during the transfer windows, touted with a move away from Manchester to pastures new in Italy or back in Germany, but I hope Dzeko goes nowhere. In his career at City he's scored against United (three times), Real Madrid, Spurs (four times), Liverpool and scored crucial goals in the FA Cup winning campaign. I hope the Bosnian Diamond continues to shine at the Eithad. (image: Getty Images)Source: FOOTYMAD
