Edin Džeko is undoubtedly one of the most unique strikers of the last 15 years. His move from Manchester City to AS Roma not only marked a significant shift in his career but also had a personal impact on me, as it indirectly inspired the creation of Osservando. Growing up, Džeko was my favorite player, and his transfer to AS Roma sparked my interest in Serie A. This article will focus on the Bosnian’s impact in Italy for both the Giallorossi and Inter Milan.
Everywhere Džeko has played, he has scored. Over his career, he has netted over 350 goals, starring on various European stages, with 29 goals in the Champions League and 21 in the Europa League. His 6ft 4in build, combined with incredibly quick feet, has given him a unique player profile. He is one of the most consistent strikers of the last 15 years. Over the years, the Bosnian has earned the nickname ‘Bosanski dijamant,’ or ‘Bosnian Diamond,’ and rightfully so.
Džeko first gained wide-scale recognition for his performances in a Wolfsburg shirt. During the 2008-09 season, Džeko guided Wolfsburg to their first-ever Bundesliga title. During this time, he formed the most successful striker partnership in Bundesliga history with fellow striker Grafite. Džeko scored 26 goals and provided 10 assists in the league that season. These impressive numbers don’t fully capture the impact Džeko had on this historic campaign. He had another impressive season in 2009/10, netting 22 goals and becoming a 2009 Ballon d’Or nominee.
In the 2010/11 January window Džeko got a €32 million move to Manchester City. Džeko at Manchester City became a fan favourite and had some truly memorable moments. Džeko’s most significant contribution came on May 13, 2012, in the final match of the 2011-2012 Premier League season against Queens Park Rangers. With Manchester City trailing 2-1 and their title hopes slipping away, Džeko scored a crucial equaliser in stoppage time. This goal set the stage for Sergio Agüero’s dramatic last-minute winner, securing City’s first league title in 44 years. This goal, alongside many more like his famous double in City’s 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United in the 2011/12 season meant that Džeko quickly became a cult hero.
AS Roma
Edin Džeko moved from Manchester City to AS Roma in 2015 on a loan deal and joined permanently for €11 million. In his debut season (2015-2016), Džeko netted 10 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. His second season saw a remarkable upturn in form, as he scored 39 goals in 51 appearances the most ever in a season by a Roma player. His 29 league goals also saw him become the first Roma player to win the Capocannoniere (Serie A top scorer) since Francesco Totti in 2006-07. His goals were instrumental in Roma finishing second that season, just behind Juventus. During the 2016/17 Džeko formed a superb partnership with a certain Mohamed Salah, they became just the second Roma duo ever to surpass 50 goals in a season.
Under Spaletti Džeko often played as a lone striker, something he is more than capable of. While he is 6ft 4, Džeko is not a typical target man striker who only sits on the defenders’ shoulder. He has often been entrusted to drop deep and interlink the midfield and attack, his ability on the ball is superb and his creativeness is a very underrated part of his game. His assist numbers over the years have highlighted this with 145 career assists. In addition to this, surprisingly (despite being 6ft 4 and not the fastest) many a time we have seen Džeko run off a defender and latch onto through balls and find the net expertly.
Džeko’s time at Roma lead to him once again being a fan favourite. He captained Roma to a famous Champion’s League semi final. His passion, commitment, and memorable performances have left an indelible mark on the club. From crucial goals in tight matches to his consistent presence in the squad.
Inter Milan
Džeko moved from the capital to Milan following on from a rumoured fallout with manager Fonseca. Despite being 35 years old he became a mainstay in Inter Milan’s side, forming an elite partnership with Lautaro Martinez. Throughout the 2021-22 season, Džeko was a consistent performer. He scored 13 goals and recorded 7 assists in Serie A, playing a pivotal role in Inter’s title challenge.
With the return of Romelu Lukaku, Džeko saw less playing time in the 2022/23 season. However he did start the Champions League final vs former side Manchester City. His clinical finishing inside the box remained a key attribute throughout his time at Inter. Džeko’s knack for finding space and his composure in front of goal helped him score crucial goals for Inter. Džeko’s intelligent positioning allowed him to capitalise on loose balls and rebounds, often being in the right place at the right time to convert chances.
As Džeko reaches the twilight of his career, and more, younger strikers hit the headlines, we all need to take a moment to appreciate the most underrated striker over the last 15 years. Edin Džeko.
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