Why David Silva is so key to Manchester City’s success

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After seven games without defeat, it finally looks like Manchester City have finally clicked into gear under Pep Guardiola. After a fantastic comeback against an exciting Monaco side, it seems that the manager has finally found a midfield three that works in his forward thinking side. At the heart of that midfield is the rejuvenated David Silva, who having dropped a little deeper, now operates alongside Kevin De Bruyne.

Silva has been a fantastic signing for City and having been at the club since 2010, he has shown time and time again, that he is one of the world’s best with the ball at his feet. After holding down the ‘number ten’ role under Manuel Pellegrini successfully, Silva has been asked to drop deeper and with a little change to the formation, it seems to have suited him wonderfully. The settled 4-1-2-3 formation possessed by Guardiola, with one holder and two slightly advanced, has triggered a new found form for the 31-year-old, who has become City’s ‘playmaker’. After watching City this season, their best performances have occurred when Silva operates in a deeper, central role. West Ham away in the FA Cup and Premier League, as well as Manchester United away, are particular highlights for the former Valencia man.

The new system seems to suit the Spanish International, as can be fully integrated into the team that plays to his strengths. His passing and vision are, arguably, the best that City have at their disposal and must be used effectively to optimise their potential. When Silva had spells out wide, it didn’t seem the right fit. His lack of pace and willingness to play as central as possible meant that City became a much a slower and narrower side. With a free-flowing front three, with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane either side of Sergio Aguero, they will cause havoc for the opposition and makes Silva’s job a lot easier of finding them. Dropping deeper and dictating play is not unusual within the Premier League, seeing it with Paul Scholes, and Steven Gerrard more recently, it should suit Silva perfectly in the long run. Approaching his twilight years, he could really establish himself as the architect of City’s attacking endeavors.

Before Pep’s arrival at the Etihad, many of the City faithful questioned Silva’s work ethic. He was always considered a ‘luxury’ player, very similar to the stigma attached to Mesut Ozil, in that his general effort was only seen whilst attacking. However, under the guidance of Guardiola, Silva has even added that side of the game, which has seen the trust in him increase in that new-found role. Guardiola trusts Silva to be the Andres Iniesta of his old Barcelona side, creating space for himself and others whilst dominating possession and linking the play between midfield and attack. Silva is key to the development of this Manchester City side that is currently in transition. Even though within the next few years, he’ll be more than likely out of the Etihad, his presence now in completing this Guardiola ‘three-year project’, can no longer be ignored.

It’s clear to see that after the performance against Monaco, City fans are looking forward to the prospect of Silva playing in a more central role. Dedicated Manchester City fan site, City Watch believe that Silva could be at the club for several years if he can stay fit, and would like to see him operate in the deeper role going into future games.

Even though he’s 31, it’s hard to disagree that Silva is not an integral part of this vibrant side that has so many young talents. Experience pays, though, and if Silva can keep up this good form, then he can become a real lynchpin in a City side that are heading for the top.

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