Why Edin Dzeko Is the Manchester City Player with Most to Prove in Pre-Season

In his four-and-a-half years at Manchester City, Edin Dzeko has enjoyed some wonderful highs and continually proven his doubters wrong, yet there is little doubt this summer represents an important crossroads in his career.

Dzeko is far from a complete striker. He goes through periods of relative ineffectiveness and has often been accused of displaying laziness. If he isn’t in the mood, he can often appear anonymous, a hindrance, in fact, to City’s incisive attacking style.

His goals, though, speak for themselves. Where others wilt under pressure, Dzeko seems to thrive on the big occasion. As former City assistant coach David Platt used to say, Dzeko scores “heavy goals.”

Epsilon/Getty Images

Take his strike against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in April 2014. Liverpool had just lost to Chelsea, 2-0, in the early kick-off, leaving City, remarkably, in charge on their own title destiny. Win this one, and they were firm favourites to land their second title in three seasons. 

There was excitement in the away end at the news emanating from Anfield where a Steven Gerrard slip had allowed Demba Ba to wrap up the points for Chelsea and hand City the initiative. But there was also nervousness. This was a huge moment in City’s season.

Within five minutes, Dzeko had handed City the lead, removing much of the tension that had swept across the City fans and players, and going a long way in helping City get the vital three points. They won the game 2-0 and went on to win the title, with Dzeko scoring significant doubles in the following game away at Everton and again in the win over Aston Villa in the penultimate match of the campaign.

It wasn't the first time he’d had a big bearing on City’s title ambitions. In 2012, in the now famous match with Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season, it was Dzeko who headed in the equaliser in stoppage time, paving the way for Sergio Aguero’s winner and scenes of jubilation as City won their first league title in 44 years.

In total, he’s scored 50 league goals in 130 games. It’s a superb strike rate worthy of respect. He cost the club £27 million in January 2010 and despite constant criticism about his consistency and attitude, it’s difficult to argue he’s been anything other than good value for money.

He may not have been the most important player in City’s recent success, but he’s played a vital role and will be remembered as a key signing when he leaves the club.

Which could be sooner rather than later. Dzeko had a disastrous 2014/15 season—by far his worst since arriving at the Etihad—and it would hardly be a surprise if the club were to let him go, should a decent offer arrive for the 29-year-old.

He scored just six goals in 31 matches across all competitions. His tally of four league goals was pitiful and fell well short of his average since joining the club. Throw in his worst ever performance—a dreadful 65-minute display away at Crystal Palace in April—and it represents an eye-catching downturn in form for the striker.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

With City seemingly hellbent on reducing the average age of their squad this summer, many expect Dzeko to be sacrificed. His standing in the Bundesliga remains high after a successful spell at Wolfsburg before joining City, and there has often been interest in him from Serie A clubs. Italian football, where there’s less reliance on pace, would suit his style perfectly.

But it seems the Bosnian wants to stay. According to Sky Sports, his agent, Irfan Redzepagic, says there have been no formal bids made for his client, and he expects him to see out the remaining three years of his current deal.

Redzepagic said:

"

Every day he is linked to some other club: first it was Atletico Madrid, then Juventus, now Roma, Chelsea...these are all just rumours that go on during every transfer window. I am bored of repeating that those stories are not true.

He hasn't rejected any offers because there were no offers! And that is the whole truth. Edin has a contract with Man City until 2018 and is happy at the club.

Many things influenced his performances last season, like the two injuries he had. But he has no reason to be unhappy at the club he won four trophies with. So the chances of him leaving are none.

"

If Dzeko is, indeed, happy and wanting to stay at City, then this summer’s preseason tour represents an important few weeks for him.

City will play two matches in Australia—against Roma and Real Madrid—with a number of other friendlies set to be announced in the near future. He simply has to stake a claim for a first-team place.

After his poor performance at Selhurst Park in April, Dzeko played just once more in he final seven games of the season—a nine-minute cameo in the home win against West Ham United. Manuel Pellegrini, the City manager, made his feelings clear: Dzeko was out in the cold.

But Pellegrini is an admirer. When he first arrived, a deal to sign Edinson Cavani was in place, but the Chilean advised the club to cancel it, such was his faith in Dzeko’s ability.

"

Heard interesting line out of #MCFC today about Roberto Mancini wanting to sign Edinson Cavani in his final season at club (1/2)

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) August 17, 2014"

"

(2/2) As soon as Pellegrini came in, he kiboshed deal. Preferred to keep faith in Dzeko, as proven Prem player. Clearly thinks lot of him

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) August 17, 2014"

It's that kind of loyalty and appreciation Dzeko lacked under Roberto Mancini, but even Pellegrini's patience had worn thin at the backend of last season. Dzeko was short of confidence, fitness and, most importantly, goals. 

He could still have a future at City, but he needs a strong preseason to force his way back into the manager's plans. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and follows the club from a Manchester base. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.