Opinion: Why Edin Dzeko can give Roma the edge this season

Let’s take a look at what makes the Bosnian forward a big threat for the Giallorossi and a new focal point of the attack.

The numbers – Last year was tough for Dzeko. He spent a lot of time fending off criticism and trying to live up to everyone’s expectations – be they Roma fans or otherwise. Yet, if you look at his statistics from last season, “disappointing” doesn’t really tell the whole story. He finished up with eight goals in Serie A plus two in the Champions League, along with six assists for his team-mates. Of course, statistics aren’t the only gauge of a player’s ability but in this instance they can’t justify the claims he didn’t play a big role last season.

A further look at the numbers further highlights Edin Dzeko’s importance in the early part of this campaign. He already has found the net once and provided the assist as Kevin Strootman got back on the scoresheet against Cagliari. Along with Mohamed Salah, the Bosnian has hit the target more than any other player in Serie A.

Not to mention, Dzeko put in a convincing display for his country during the international break, scoring from the spot – having won the penalty himself – and striking the crossbar. The target man returns from national team duty with Bosnia still in a rich vein of form.

Fitness – His fitness levels have also improved compared to last year. Dzeko covers a lot of ground, he looks sharper and more powerful, thanks in part to a full pre-season with the squad.

In the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Porto he proved that he can hold his own as a lone striker, giving Roma a foothold high up the pitch in spite of being a man down. He not only scored against Udinese, meanwhile, he also won the first penalty of the season.

Mindset – The most obvious change in Edin, however, is psychological. He’s showing confidence in himself and inspiring even more from those who watch him play. He’s a consistent part of Roma’s attacking play but also helps out at the back when necessary, proof of an innate work ethic, something Spalletti asks of all his forwards. Indeed the coach has already revealed how much he can rely on Dzeko this term, dubbing the Bosnian the team’s genuine centre forward.

He goes out there with greater belief, more bite and also takes on more responsibility. In the two games where the Giallorossi’s overall display wasn’t good enough – the Champions League play-off second leg and the match at Cagliari – Dzeko still showed a positive approach at times.

The fact that he recently said he’s settled, that he finally feels fit, is a great insight into how much work he’s put in – in several areas – and how much he wants to display his undoubted ability.

It’s an encouraging start and the signs are already positive. The chances will of course come, that much is obvious. His first opportunity will be on Sunday against Sampdoria, a side Dzeko has never scored against. But there’s always a first time.