Operating at the front tip of a midfield diamond, Silva played as though he wanted to shed himself of any frustrations, a firefly of a player, always wanting the ball, elusive to mark and, when he had possession, running with his head up, looking for the killer pass.
Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail
A stuttering start to life in England and concerns about his slight frame being suited to the physical demands of the Premier League have led some to wonder whether City had made the right decision in paying Valencia £24million for the Spain forward this summer.
But manager Roberto Mancini insisted on the eve of his side's opening Group A clash he had no doubts Silva was ready to deliver, and the World Cup winner took less than eight minutes to start proving him right as his first goal in a City shirt helped his club launch their Europa League campaign with a win in this picturesque Austrian city.
Sandy Macaskill, Daily Telegraph
Jo exhibited signs of rust, but he created Silva’s goal and generally made a nuisance of himself, scoring his first goal for City since September 2008, his fourth goal in total, but it was Silva’s performance which will have been the one on supporters lips last night.
Even though he has only been in the England since July, the 24 year-old has already been criticised as too lightweight for the Premier League. Not a bit of it: his eyes, like a lizard, permanently on a swivel, makes his size inconsequential. On this evidence he will soon challenge those stick-in-the-muds who think you must be built like a baobab tree to cut the mustard in English football. “He is a fantastic player, he can play in every position,” Mancini said.
1 comment:
I have never, in my 65 years of watching City, been so relaxed during the game. This team can only get better and better and better. So much talent so many variations. Truly a wonderful time to support our great club.
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