Losing David Silva Would Be a Blow for Manchester City and Manuel Pellegrini

In terms of importance to the Manchester City team, very few players compare to David Silva.

The Spaniard floats effortlessly around the pitch, always wanting the ball, with a touch and vision that marks him out as one of the finest playmakers in Europe.

As news filtered through of his muscle injury sustained on international duty, there was a collective gasp of horror among those associated with City.

They already have a huge headache in defence without the forward line becoming depleted too. Silva is the heartbeat of their attack, constantly trying to thread neat balls to his teammates and always with absolute grace and beauty.

According to this report by Chris Wheeler in the Mail, Silva has picked up a thigh strain and has left the Spanish camp early to be assessed by City’s doctors. Although it’s unclear the length of time he’ll spend on the sidelines, he is expected to miss the Stoke game this Saturday, a huge blow for City as they aim to find some rhythm and consistency.

It’s been a stuttering last two games after the free-flowing brilliance on display against Newcastle.

Manuel Pellegrini, a manger with a penchant for playmakers of Silva’s ilk after having made Juan Roman Riquelme the centrepiece of his Villarreal side, will be desperate to see his new star man return to the form he showed in 2011.

As City swept all before them in the first half of what turned out to be a title-winning season, Silva’s virtuosity was central to his team’s dominance. The 5-1 win away at Tottenham and the 6-1 victory at Old Trafford stand out, but they were part of a string of stellar performances. Silva was City’s best player during that run.

Last season, his influence waned somewhat, managing just five goals and 13 assists in all competitions, a downturn on his 2011 form when he managed eight goals and 21 assists. He did create 104 chances for his teammates, though, with only Leighton Baines managing more in the Premier League. It’s this ability to selflessly provide for those around him that make him such a favourite in amongst the squad.

Carlos Tevez recognised Silva’s ability to create back in 2011, when he said:

"

David Silva is the best signing we have made. He is the type of player who can win you the game. He can provide you with the sort of pass that puts you through one and one with the goalkeeper. He is one of the best players in the squad. He has freshened up the team and brought a new dimension to it.

"

With Pellegrini stressing the importance of winning in style, you get the feeling Silva is going to have a big role to play in delivering his vision.

One of the Chilean’s most important tasks is returning Silva to his form of 2011. This injury is a blow to City, but they will be keeping their fingers crossed that their best midfielder can return to action swiftly and take a lead role in the side.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @TypicalCity