Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has recently revealed disillusioned striker Edin Dzeko will have a part to play for the club as they mount a title challenge next season.
‘I have a lot of trust in him. I always trusted in Edin Dzeko and he is now playing the way I want. I am sure he will continue improving.’
This summer, the Premier League runners-up signed former Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo and ex-Fiorentina player Steven Jovetic. With the side now having four senior strikers on the books, many felt Edin Dzeko would be potentially ousted out of the side.
Title rivals Chelsea also hinted towards being keen on the 27-year old. Manager Jose Mourinho had earlier praised Dzeko, and stated he would be a useful player to have in the squad.
A number of sides across Europe were linked with the Bosnia & Herzegovina international, but had all failed to make their interest official. Dzeko previously stated himself that he would consider his future with the Sky Blues this summer, after finding himself a bit-part player during the 2012/13 league campaign.
Last season, Edin Dzeko made 32 Premier League appearances, scoring 14 goals. However, half of his appearances were from the substitute’s bench, and many fear next season will see him feature even less.
Despite Pellegrini saying his has plans for the striker next season, having Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo, and Steven Jovetic all as direct competition – all boasting impressive goalscoring records – means Dzeko really has a tough job to make it into his plans.
Since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2011, he’s scored 40 goals in 109 games. He’s also scored 29 goals in 53 games for the Bosnia & Herzegovina national team.
He’s approaching his prime as a player and the 2012/13 campaign showed he has plenty to offer City next season if he gets the chance. With a grand total of 158 goals in 322 games, he’s certainly a proven goalscorer.
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