14Nov

David Silva the genius

by stevebaker

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David Silva is a genius. I really don’t say that enough. How fortunate we are as City fans to see a player of his calibre playing week in, week out. Unfortunately an injury that he picked up while playing for Spain in October has meant that we’ve been deprived of his skills for over a month. However, he was back in the side playing a crucial role in the recent win against Tottenham, providing a fantastic chipped through ball for Edin Dzeko to swivel and fire the winner past Brad Friedel.

That pass alone is a reminder of what an exceptionally gifted footballer he is. Up until the Spurs game it had been a frustrating season for Silva, beginning with a woeful penalty miss on the opening day against Southampton that was indicative of some lethargic performances to come. His sluggish start to the season was understandable, though, considering he followed up last season’s monumental effort to snatch the title away from United by going all the way in the Euros, winning his third major honour with his national side (and of course scoring a glorious header in the final).

Just before he was injured it felt as if he was reaching his best again so it’s particularly pleasing that he’s returned and looked so sharp straightaway because City really do need him. With Silva in the side, City immediately look more expressive, more capable of opening up teams who sit back and look to play on the counter attack. City do seem to lack width this season but, with Silva in the team this matters less. The main reason for this is that Silva has the ability to create angles and disguise a pass or through ball even when faced with a wall of defenders. More penetrative than Nasri and more subtle than Tevez, it’s crucial that Silva stays fit from now until May.

With him in the side, City win a higher percentage of games, score more goals, concede fewer, have more possession and complete more passes. Quite simply, David Silva is a genius.

Posted by Manchester City fan Stephen Baker

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveBaker83