Manchester City are the new rich kids on the block, and much has been written about their cash splash over the past year as they look to improve their soccer betting odds. Their most recent addition is striker Edin Dzeko, who cost the Blues over $40 million in the January transfer window, and he has shown glimpses of the talent that made him a marked man for City.
Dzeko scored 85 goals in 111 games for Wolfsburg before City swooped in with an offer the Germans couldn’t refuse, as manager Roberto Mancini looked to bolster an attacking group that featured Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and David Silva up front. The Bosnian has started just once in the last four matches, and he was taken off after 59 minutes of a 1-1 home draw against Fulham. During his seven games so far for Manchester City, Dzeko has a goal, which was scored in a 5-0 rout of Notts County in the Carling Cup, and he has a couple of assists as well, but it’s going to take some time for him to show why the Blues opened up the checkbook for the 24-year-old.
Dzeko could be in line for more playing time if the Blues decide to part ways with Balotelli, a temperamental Italian who could be looking for a way out of the Eastlands. That would allow Dzeko to build a partnership with Carlos Tevez, who has had his own problems with Mancini but continues to be the first pick among the strikers. The Blues have an important stretch of games coming, beginning with a huge home match against Dynamo Kiev, who blasted City 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League tie, before heading to Chelsea on the weekend. Look for Dzeko to get the start in at least one of those matches.