David Silva

David Silva arrived at City in the summer of 2010, having agreed to join the Blues after the World Cup. It would prove to be one of the most inspired purchases by the Club in the modern era. Silva had already established himself in the national team, having steadily risen through the ranks with La Roja, until he made his senior debut in November, 2006. He scored his first goals in a 3-2 win over Greece in 2007 and played a key role in Spain's 2008 European Championship success, including a semi-final goal against Russia. He came to prominence when Valencia loaned him to top-flight side Celta Vigo for the 2005-06 season and he hit four goals in 31 games to help clinch a UEFA Cup spot. Silva's exploits earned him a seven-year contract at the Mestalla, where he would go on to make 161 appearances over the next four seasons. Silva quickly adjusted to the demands of English football, quickly becoming a firm crowd favorite due to his continued excellence. Few would deny that Silva has gone on to become one of the world's best midfielders, helping his country to the Euro 2012 prize, making him a world and European champion. His ability to cast a spell over opposition defenses led to fans nicknaming him either 'Merlin' or 'El Mago' - the magician - and it's no coincidence that City's most successful period has come with Silva as an integral member of the Blues' starting XI. His first two seasons in sky blue saw him add a Premier League and FA Cup winner's medal to an already bulging collection, as well as individual honors, which include a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 2012 and the City's Etihad Players' Player of the Year Award for the same season. Silva made 41 appearances in the 2012/13 season, scoring five goals and assisting 13. He was again at his sparkling best as City won the Premier League title in 2013/14 and was also a Capital One Cup winner as City beat Sunderland 3-1 at Wembley. The following season saw Silva post a personal best as he bagged 12 goals in 42 games, though he would have to wait until the 2015/16 season to add another winner's medal, as he was part of the team that beat Liverpool to clinch the Capital One Cup. Silva won his 100th cap for Spain at Euro 2016 to confirm his lofty status for both club and country and has made an excellent start to the 2016/17 season - some believe his best yet - and won his first MCFC Player of the Year award as recognition of his efforts. It was his eight campaign that saw the Spaniard produce his best football yet, as he won his third Premier League title and won a nomination for PFA Player of the Year as well as being voted into the PFA Team of the Year for only the second time. Silva played in all four of Spain's World Cup matches in Russia.