Manchester City's Center Forward Paradox

What became apparent while watching Manchester City play against Arsenal on January 5th was a complete lack of organization going forward. Apart from Carlos Tevez’s tireless attempts to hold up the ball and a few powering runs by Yaya Toure, Manchester City looked largely disinterested in scoring a goal.

For a long time now, City has needed a true center forward—a forward that feels most comfortable in the box, finishing off crosses with both head and foot. The paradox is that this is the exact role a player like Emmanuel Adebayor used to fill at Arsenal several seasons ago. Not only does City have Adebayor on their roster, they also have two other center forwards in the form of Jo and Roque Santa Cruz. None of these players, however, are right for Manchester City, and I think Roberto Mancini knows it.

Adebayor has not played for many months and is generally out of favor with Mancini. He will likely be leaving the Citizens soon.

Jo has done himself no good by putting in many less-than-desirable performances over the last few weeks. He has given little creativity on the attack and often gives the ball away. He has looked confused and frustrated on the pitch. This is all perhaps due to his lack of confidence.

As for Santa Cruz, he is largely untested but the consensus on his talent suggests he will remain on the bench or soon be leaving Manchester City altogether.

To add to this, one could even include Mario Balotelli who has been playing more as a second striker or as a winger. And even when Balotelli has started up front for the Citizens, he has drifted wide leaving a gaping void in front of goal.

To put it simply, City needs Edin Dzeko to fill the space in front of the goal. Bringing in the Bosnian international could prove to be the best thing City could do to add structure to their attack and relieve the goal scoring pressure on Carlos Tevez.

Tevez has been brilliant this season as an inside striker. Tevez does not fit the center forward description, however, because of his lack of height and desire to roam the field following the ball wherever it goes.

Dzeko is a classic center forward, a true number nine. As he has shown many times for Wolfsburg, (winning the Bundesliga in 2008 and taking die Wolfe into the Champions League) he is a proven scorer and is most comfortable in front of the goal. His abilities and talents are indisputable, competent on both feet and with his head.

Dzeko's most important contribution to City will be in positioning. He rarely drifts wide and deep and will be ready to pounce on crosses in the box from Adam Johnson or Gareth Barry. Bringing width to City’s attack is only helpful when there is a reliable forward in the box ready to punch in a cross. Dzeko will bring this and more to Manchester City.

Adding Edin Dzeko to the team in January is a bold move from Manchester City management, especially when considering his 40 million dollar price tag. What this should tell the rest of The Premier League is that now more than ever Manchester City is serious about becoming a more complete attacking force and winning the league, even if it means spending a fortune.