David Silva Admits Preference for No. 10 Role Ahead of Crucial Chelsea Test

David Silva believes Manchester City face a must-win game on Sunday when they take on Chelsea at the Etihad. The midfielder says the gap between the two sides would become “too big” if City were to lose and fall eight points behind the early leaders.

“We need to win because otherwise the gap would be getting too big between the clubs,” the Spaniard said. "It is a very important game. They are first and have more points—we can’t lose on Sunday and allow the gap to open. It’s the early stages, there’s still a long way to go in the Premier League."

With Chelsea in such outstanding form so far this season in the Premier League and City struggling somewhat to maintain their highest level, Silva knows his side will have to be at their best if they are to get the result they need. The Blues will move to within two points of Chelsea with a win, having played three of last season’s top four in their opening five league games. 

Against Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Silva was asked to operate in the No. 10 role just off a loan striker, the same position in which he ended the last campaign when his form was the catalyst for City overhauling Liverpool at the top of the table on their way to winning the title.

It seems to allow him more freedom to roam and inflict damage on opposition defences with his passing ability, and he feels it’s the position which is best for him.

“I feel comfortable [in the No. 10 role]," the 28-year-old said. "I also play there for the national team. It’s no secret that I always feel more comfortable playing in that position. It’s up to the manager where I play".

With Alvaro Negredo now at Valencia and Stevan Jovetic out injured, Silva is likely to get more opportunities to play just off the main forward, and it could turn out to be to City's advantage. The team's play appears far more fluid when he is central, with his trademark passing best utilised higher up the pitch.

He also spoke about Diego Costa, his international teammate who has had an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge since his summer move from Atletico Madrid, and Cesc Fabregas, who returned to the Premier League this summer after a spell at Barcelona, both of whom have added a new dimension to the Chelsea side.

"

Diego has made a huge impact. It is not easy to adapt, but he has clearly done it very quickly.

He’s scored seven times so far, so that record speaks for itself. That’s very important for Chelsea but not that good for us. But we’ve got a good defence, and I believe we can stop him on Sunday.

I have a very good relationship with both players. I think Chelsea have made some fantastic signings this summer, but our friendship will be set aside because we are going out to win.

I’ve known Cesc since we were 16 years old and were in the Spanish youth squads together.

I’m looking forward to facing him, but in pretty much every game now I seem to be up against a Spanish teammate—when we play Arsenal it’s Santi (Cazorla), or when it’s United it will be Juan Mata.

But it’s really all about how the team plays, and our aim as always is to go out and win the game.

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Silva remains City’s most potent attacking weapon, and against Chelsea on Sunday his role will be key. Whether he starts on the left or in his preferred position just off the striker, he is likely to be the hub of City’s creativity.

His display at the Emirates last weekend was the latest example of his ability to dictate the tempo of City’s attack—his eye for a throughball causing havoc for the Gunners' defensive players. He's gradually becoming an all-time City great, with many now firm in their belief he is the best player to play for the club.

They will need a big performance from him on Sunday against a side who look more determined than ever to reclaim the title they last won in 2010.

All quotes obtained firsthand

David Silva was speaking as an ambassador for the luxury holiday company Anfi, who are leading a campaign to raise £45,000 for the family of Bailey Stewart, a 2-year-old boy suffering from a rare condition affecting just five people in the UK. The money will be used to adapt the family house in order to meet Bailey's needs. 

For more information visit anfi.com/bailey