ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- Edin Dzeko

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 12/30/2010

It worries me when I agree with Old Purple Nose... The stories concerning Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko have heated up over the last 24 hours, but was Ferguson correct to take a pass last year?

Dzeko, the Bosnian striker, has been linked with City for the past 18 months. In many ways the 6'3 striker seems a perfect fit for Mancini's Inter diamond and a good young partner for Mario Balotelli in such a formation.

Ian Herbert in today's Independent newspaper says that United passed on Dzeko because of his lack of pace and that is indeed the area of concern. Excellent with either foot and especially in the air there are times you think that you are seeing a Torres like player when watching games in the Bundesliga. However there is something of a ponderous gait to the 24 year old and there's a legitimate question as to whether his skills will translate to the Premier League.

If we look at this positively it is the aerial prowess that intrigues. Time and again at City this season we see the full backs over lapping and pumping the ball into the middle only to find either Tevez or no one in position. A strong central striker is required for such a system. It's also possible that Tevez could respond phenomenally to having a strong central attacker and this would give Mancini some additional tactical options.

At a reported 35 million Dzeko represents a gamble rather than a sure thing. That City can afford such a risk is of course part of the new world order that the club finds itself under.

What I do like is the report that such a deal, should it happen, will be conducted quickly. For a variety of reasons to do with the 4-2-3-1 formation employed these past three games City have been lucky rather than good and it is striker where the club needs reinforcements.

Comments

Posted by LL on 12/30/2010

it is very good to city. The variety of football sometimes depend on the variety of strikers. Striker like a leader of game battle. The way they play and run forward will lead the run way of the midfielders. I believe that , Tewez , Mario , and Dzeko will have the different ways. But they can learn from each other and can share their experiences and should practice other's. That will make the new phenomenon to their team.
Come to City !!.Just believe yourself. it the good chance to make yourself a brighter star among the existing shining star.

Posted by pedmachine on 12/30/2010

City has employed that formastion for much of the season and are second in the league. An additional striker would give them the 4-4-2 option, plan B if you like. But as most teams set up 4-5-1 against them the 4-2-3-1 is a derivative of that and can be played narrow or wide. What is lucky about whacking Villa 4-0 and Newcastle 3-1? Luck was Everton beating City 2-1 by having 9 behind the ball and praying we didn't score a second, when they had around 30 goal attempts

Wallace Reply Er no... they haven't. City have played mainly either an Inter Diamond or Christmas Tree Formation. The 4-2-3-1 is something that has only been used in the past few games. The 4-2-3-1 is a counter attacking formation and City have been fortunate to get quick early goals against Villa and Newcastle that then forced their opponents to chase the game giving them even more counter attacking options. We saw against Everton what happens when the opponent scores first and then City have to chase the game with a formation that is not designed for that purpose.

Posted by Acky on 12/30/2010

United passed up Dzeko don't make me laugh and don't listen to the red tinted media. They didn't sign him because they never made an offer, they never made an offer because they are skint...simples. They can't even aford Belamy on loan because of his wages lol

Wallace Reply I disagree. I believe there is money there if United wish to purchase.

Posted by Tom on 12/30/2010

who all do you think will leave manc and where all they'll be going, is there any chance of tevez leaving in the winter itself?

Wallace Reply Winter... no. Summer... Yes.

Posted by Blue Phoenix on 12/30/2010

I stopped taking you seriously when you mentioned that you agreed with old purple nose.

I put it to you that if the red rag leader passed up on Dzeko it'll be because he either couldn't afford to take him or he knew that Dzeko didn't want to come to old trafford.

Times are a changing so red face will have to get used to it.

Wallace Reply We'll see this summer if United have money or not. They need a left midfielder and one that will be a starter.

Posted by Pete the Greek on 12/30/2010

"Lucky"? Have you not been watching City play? They have been proffessional, quick, tough and decisive. DZeko will merely bring the original dimension to the team that Mancini favoured from the off. Unfortunately, Santa Cruz, Jo or Adebayor just weren't up to the job, this kid is good and if he scores us the goals that we have missed then that will be great for us City fans. CTID

Wallace Reply Yes Lucky. And yes I've been watching City closely. A quick early goal, as scored against Villa and Newcastle, allows City to play to their strength. You cannot play a 4-2-3-1 formation against teams that come to park the bus unless you score first and early. It's a great formation against a team that attacks, such as last year against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It's a horrible formation when you are behind.

Posted by dudio on 12/30/2010

Dzeko isn't a speed-merchant but he's not slow either. His incredible movement off the ball and well developed footballing brain more than makes up for this.

I take it your talking about the same Man U who let Tevez slip away because he's a "headless chicken who doesn't score enough"? The same Man U who signed Bebe without watching play? Obertan as the new Ronaldo?

The greatest annoyance I see when people comment on Dzeko is to pigeonhole him as a beanpole striker. It's a simplification for the lazy who haven't seen him play enough.
Dzeko is an all-round excellent striker who can score tap-in, mid-range and long-range. He can deliver excellent free-kicks and provides a lot of assists.

Wallace Reply I love that Dzeko has ability with both feet and in the air. Truly would be fascinating to see him and Balotelli with Silva playing the creative midfield role.

Posted by Mick on 12/30/2010

Wallace given the fact we are the only team in the PL not to have scored a headed goal all season, surely we need an aerial option? Dzeko is the best of the strikers available to us. I suspect Fergie's reluctance is partly based on the club's finance. Berbatov is hardly a speed merchant. Apart from his abundant talent, one of the most positive things about Dzeko is he is actively trying to join the club, contrast this to Adebayor. I do not think he is a risk at all. Have you checked out some of his finishing on You tube?

Wallace Reply Watching a player only on Youtube can be dangerous, as it gives only a limited view, but some of those strikes were most impressive. What I particularly find interesting is that he looks to make space for himself once he has received the ball. Will be curious to see if he can do that in the Premier League.

Lescott scored with a header against Villa but your point is well taken. City are set up for full back overlaps and crosses so having such a player could be very useful.

Posted by Martin Nazimek on 12/30/2010

I think this move is also about making the statement that the best players are willing to move to city. This was not there even last year, but seems to be changing. Another thing that is interesting is how city continue to improve talent and age wise. Look at Chelsea, you see good players all over and most are on the decline. Now look at city, most are on the uprise of their skills and age. City have built a squad to compete right now talent wise and for the future. I agree that Dzeko might be a gamble, but if he is the difference between us truly challenging for the top spot then I agree with signing him. My first player that would fit that build is Carrol from Newcastle. I think he is the real deal and would fit city a lot better than Dzeko. Then again, if we get Dzeko and he turns out to be what we hope for we might just be the top squad in the near future. Anyway you look at it, it is a win win scenario for city. Heres to a bright future in the new years boys. CTID

Wallace Reply I'm not convinced about Carroll yet, although I have him in my Fantasy team so I'm not saying he doesn't score. Something about him bothers me. I'll probably take a few Newcastle games and see if I can break down what it is.

Posted by JahJah on 12/30/2010

Whats up Wallace? Love your commentaries. Just curious as to why u mention seeing him (Dzeko) along side Balotelli but never mention Tevez's name to partner him or to partner Balotelli. I know u mentioned that Tevez maybe gone in the summer. Is this the reason why? If the answer to that is yes could u give me your opinion on the starting 11, brief tactics and formation that Mancini would be employing on an ideal day? As well as captain... if u have the time... haha

Wallace Reply I believe that Tevez will leave in the summer.

I expect Mancini to play an Inter style diamond. Hart in goal. Kolarov and Boateng as the full backs. Kompany and whomever City bring in as the central defenders. Barry, de Jong and Small Berries as the midfield three with de Jong at the base of the diamond. Silva as the creative midfielder at the top of the diamond with Balotelli and whomever else comes in as the strikers.

Milner to play in the Barry role occasionally.

Posted by JahJah on 12/30/2010

also.... if the 4-2-3-1 formation is built to defend an early lead why are u considering it luck when we get early goals?

Wallace Reply a 4-2-3-1 isn't built to defend an early lead, it is to catch an attacking team on the break. It becomes very effective when a team scores a first goal...

Posted by DarkDefender on 12/30/2010

Dzeko is for another purposes than pace. He can/will score with header or with his feet as well. Now we dont have such player which makes us predictable and easy to defend.

Also he is for the future. If Tevez goes in the summer then City should do everything to get Torres. If he stays he must be 100% commited outside the field as well.

Best would be City to have 4 top strikers. Tevez/Torres and Dzeko would be our #1 pair. When rested or injury hits then there is Balotelli and Carroll should be bought, they can be young apprenticies. He has such talent its amazing how strong he is. Against us he one over 90% of aerial battles and scored as well. As he did against liverpool from standing feet over 20m away.

Next season there will probably be CL football so there will be lots of games. Squad should have depth and quality.

Wallace Poulter Football doesn't work that way. If playing two up front then you need 2 clear starters plus a veteran and a youngster to supplement.

Posted by Daniel on 12/30/2010

Wallace, I say this with no ill-intent or to dismiss your concerns in any way, but sometimes I think you fall into the trap of pace. You were very critical that City didn't take Joe Cole in the summer because you liked his skill and pace despite his continual injured status. We're doing okay without Cole and Dzeko could be a big benefit if he comes. The first part of the year saw journalists and pundits constantly asking where our pace was and how would we score. We seem to be doing it with passing and Dzeko would be a quality target of those passes.

Wallace Reply Cole is a whole different story, not least as Liverpool have not played him and Gerrard correctly.

Put to the point of pace. Guilty as charged on that one. I believe pace is the single most important trait that a player can have. Skill and a footballing brain are of course incredible important but for me it's pace every time. There are exceptions of course, Ali Benarbia for example, but even then his passing would have been for nought without those of pace getting into position.

Posted by Paul Jones on 01/03/2011

Dzeko, i believe, will add a completely new dimension to Man City's attack with the height and the kinda of creativity he has in front of goal. Plus with Adebayor wanting a move out, it would be the perfect replacement with add-ons. And also pace i don't think i EVERYTHING. If not why was not Theo Walcott a true threat a year back or Ramires truly be a star at Chelsea this season. This is for Joe Cole even. Pace without skill and creativity will lead to nothing and i think Dzeko has all the qualities to be a real star at city.

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