The Bosnian became known as Manchester City's 'super sub' after rescuing the blues from embarrassment at The Hawthorns two years ago, and the stamp somewhat summarises his time under Roberto Mancini. At the Italian's disposal was possibly the Premier League's most talented bench-warmer, but Džeko's lethargic approach to the game made first-team opportunities very limited.
Since Mancini's departure last summer, Džeko has established himself as a key, and enthusiastic, member of the squad. The 28-year-old's game has acquired a hunger that failed to surface under his former manager, and in the 31 league games he appeared in last term, he contributed 16 crucial goals to City's title win. Džeko made 24 starts for the champions last season, six more than he did under Roberto Mancini in 2012/2013.
Thank Manuel Pellegrini, the man who branded the striker a 'top player' just one month into his tenure at the club.
(Džeko scored vital goals for Manchester City last term)
But even though the former Wolfsburg man is now considered a starter and no longer just a glamorous replacement for Sergio Agüero, Manchester City fans should not let the striker's improvement cloud one clear fact; Agüero is still first choice.
City travel to the Emirates on Saturday and are likely to adopt a 4-5-1 formation to counter the creativity in Arsenal's midfield. Fernando, if fit, and Fernandinho will provide a strong base just in front of the defence, whilst David Silva, Yaya Touré and Samir Nasri are likely to roam further up the field. Indeed, Džeko and Agüero can play together, but when there is only one spot up for grabs, the latter has to be chosen every time.
The Argentine's numerous injuries have masked how much of an incredible footballer he actually is. The 26-year-old offers electrifying speed, dogged strength, unrelenting work-rate and an unrivaled eye for goal that, when fit, make him the league's best striker. Džeko may have a height advantage, but Agüero's abundance of qualities severely outweigh the Bosnian's, and Per Mertesacker will definitely have more trouble dealing with speed and agility over height and physicality.
(Agüero scored after just 23 seconds in City's 3-1 win over Liverpool in August)
The South American netted 17 goals in 23 appearances last season, and will still consider the campaign as a disappointing one for his personal objectives. He boasts the best minutes-per-goal ratio in Premier League history (54 goals every 113 Premier League minutes), has scored 54 goals in 90 league games for City, and he's still only 26.
Edin Džeko may have improved, but Sergio Agüero is still City's No.1 striker.
