STATS CRUNCH Finding Edin: Roma's quest for a striker continues
There’s nothing wrong with that logic, though there seems to be something amiss with the former Manchester City’s maiden Serie A season. Having introduced himself to Giallorossi fans in the best way possible by putting one over hated rivals Juventus, the 29–year-old has since failed to score for Rudi Garcia’s side, prompting some to worry whether he is up to the task, or whether the Giallorossi are doing their best either in helping Dzeko adapt to the rigours of Italian football or giving him chances to score.
Well, so far the former Wolfsburg hitman has sacrificed himself for the sake of the team, helping harry the opposition and always trying to help his wingers speed up the wings by looking for the one-two, completing 154 passes so far.
Trouble is, the Bosnian hasn’t added any more goals since that magical 2-1 win over Juventus on September 30th, this despite nine total shots on goal and playing 479 minutes.
Rudi Garcia, for his part, has shielded his striker from criticism: “Dzeko is a champion, he’ll score many goals”.
Now, the former Citizen hopes to get back to scoring ways against another team of bianconeri: Udinese. Even Mohamed Salah’s suspension could prove to be a blessing in disguise: with Iago Falque subbing in for the Egyptian, Dzeko should see more crosses come his way, rather than have to play catch-up with the speedy Salah.
Will it be enough? Roma have been desperately looking for an out-and-out striker since Rudi Garcia’s arrival. Mattia Destro was despatched to Milan and Bologna after failing to convince the former Lille manager, whilst Seydou Doumbia turned up to Rome unfit before being sent back to CSKA Moscow six months later.
