Having previously been linked with Real Madrid, as well as Catalan rivals Barcelona, the 26-year-old arrived in 2010 from cash-strapped Valencia and has been vital in Manchester City’s success. In the past two seasons he has been one of the club’s talismans, providing 31 assists and 14 goals and scooping the club’s Player’s Player of the Year award on their way to ending a 44-year wait for a title.
On form, the man known as Merlin will be more than capable of delivering a performance in-form winger Cristiano Ronaldo – who has already scored four goals in two appearances this season - can produce, and this could prove the key if Mancini gives him enough time on the pitch tonight.
Real Madrid will prove tough opposition, winning an astonishing 40 and drawing two of their 42 European Cup opening games, and City must be on top form if they wish to travel home with a positive result. David Silva can help his side do this, hoping to build on the six goals and 17 assists he created whilst helping Manchester City to the Premier League title last season.
The new contract has made Silva one of the club’s top earners, with the deal worth £200,000 a week, a £60,000 increase on his former contract, His new contract will see him remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, where he will hope to build on last year’s domestic success in Europe.
Manchester City are part of this year’s Group of Death, and will battle it out with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax. Last year, all four teams won their respective leagues, and will be targeting similar success this season. For City to progress, they must perform like the league-topping club they are, and with Silva helping to lead their attack, their quest for goals is surely one of optimism going into tonight’s clash. As one of Real Madrid’s target transfers, what better way for Silva to also show them what they could have had.
Do you feel Silva’s new contract reflects his talent, and how big an impact do you think he can be against Real Madrid?
image: © letsbikeit
James Hartnett
@JamesHartnett_more stories from James Hartnett
A recent journalism graduate, James is a firm believer in providing unique perspectives on sports news. An experienced sports blogger, freelancer and sub-editor, he specialises in football news and in-depth analysis. A lifelong Spurs fan, he can’t wait for their potential to be unlocked next season.
The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire
Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain
