Since the inception of the Premier League twenty years ago, it has become the norm that all teams contain footballers from differing nations. Some good, some bad and some well past their sell by date. There can be no doubting that the pull of satellite money and huge product endorsement has strengthened the lure of the English playing fields, whether it be the Manchester/London grounds or some smaller newly promoted club. Dangle the wad of cash and Mister Ten Per Cent will be hovering close by with his CV of prospective footballers. I think it was Tommy Docherty who once said that football was all about differing opinions, so I use that as an excuse to proffer my selection of the five best imports for Man City throughout their history. In no particular order of ability, I think it is only fair to list a current player as number one.
1. David Silva
David Silva, a native of Gran Canaria and eternal sun, luckily came to Manchester in the summer of 2010. Whether he would have been impressed if hed flown in on a dreary rain soaked autumn day is fortunately not for debate. His stint at Valencia gave him a high profile, but the opening months with City were to produce a slow learning curve. Many opined about his small stature and the possibility that the Premier league would be too fast for him. There was no need to worry, because this elfin like footballer has dazzled spectators and cameras weekly, producing breathtaking surges through solid defences as well as the occasional sublime goal. The number twenty one shirt (the one he had at Valencia and for the national Spanish team) is the first I look for on match days, and using one of the oldest clichés in the bookWorth the admission fee alone!