Dzeko proves he can be a game-changer even at 40

Schalke's Edin Dzeko (C) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with teammates during the German DFB Cup first round soccer match between Hallescher FC and FC Schalke 04 at Erdgas Sportpark. (is associated with: «Dzeko proves he can be a game-changer even at 40») Hendrik Schmidt/dpa Schalke forward Edin Dzeko proved that even at 40 he can still be a game-changer in football. Schalke needed extra-time to claim a hard-fought 5-2 win against Hallescher FC in the first round of the German Cup on Monday. Dzeko scored twice and also provided the assist for one of the decisive goals. "He gives us that quality in the box. He still has that even at his age. The positioning, the combination play, the instinct – you don't forget that. We'll need Edin," coach Miron Muslic said. Dzeko was originally supposed to play for only a quarter of an hour so he could be well-rested for the Bundesliga opener against Augsburg on Sunday, which will mark Schalke's return to the top tier after three seasons in the second division. However, he was brought on in the 64th minute and ended up playing for around an hour. "Edin has an incredible presence. You can't learn that. It comes from years of experience," team-mate and fellow veteran Robin Gosens said. Gosens, who joined Schalke this summer on loan, emphasized, however, that it wouldn't do justice to the other attacking players to suggest that Schalke were somewhat dependent on Dzeko. In theory, he has a point, since Moussa Sylla and Junior Adamu scored – but only after Dzeko's substitution and thanks to his assists.