While City have struggled for goals of late, their former number 10 has been in lethal form in Serie A.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti says Edin Dzeko is the perfect prototype for a centre-forward after the Bosnian recovered from an awful first season in the capital to soar to the top of the Golden Boot charts in Serie A, as reported by Football Italia.
Dzeko has netted ten times in 12 appearances for Roma this season, meaning he has already obliterated his tally from the previous campaign with 18 games to spare.
As a result, Roma, the highest scoring side in Serie A, are currently leading the chasing pack behind Champions Juventus and looking good for yet another season of Champions League qualification thanks to the prolific exploits of the former Manchester City forward.
Dzeko appeared to be the missing piece in Roma’s jigsaw when he arrived from the Etihad last season, adding a much needed finisher to a team of expert creators, and Spalletti has praised the strikers’ all-round ability although adding that he could still add an element of ruthlessness to his game.
“If a coach could make a prototype for a striker, I’d make one that resembled Dzeko,” Spalletti said in quotes reported by Football Italia.
“He’s the perfect prototype: strong, tall, fast for his height, combative aggressive and has good technique.
“However, he is still lacking in terms of ruthlessness and must show [more of] his characteristics on the pitch.
“He has everything to do well, but sometimes he doesn’t show his talent.”
Dzeko divided opinion among fans and neutrals alike during his time in English football, with extraordinary individual displays like his four-goal extravaganza against Tottenham or his double in City’s famous 6-1 win at Old Trafford giving way to performances of complete anonymity.
However, his recent form in Serie A will raise questions as to whether Pep Guardiola could have benefitted from his close-range poaching in the Premier League, with City having scored more than once in just two of their previous six fixtures.
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