Clichy: Merlin has been simply magic - defensively!

DAVID Silva has been at his brilliant best for City this season, the brains behind their powerful, pacy attack.

But it is another facet of the Spain star’s game which has really brought praise in the Blues dressing room.

Silva has long been the man to whom City turn when they need a lock picking in a tight game – he is the fulcrum of their attack. Gael Clichy, however, says the area of his game which has most improved under Pep Guardiola has been his defending.

Silva was excellent again in the 2-0 win at Sunderland, inspiring the Blues’ attack and laying on the killer goal for Leroy Sane.

But it was another aspect of his game which drew praise from Clichy.

“We don’t need to talk much about him, but the thing I want to say about David lately, if not for the whole season, is that defensively he is working a lot,” said the left-back.

“He is winning a lot of balls and sometimes that’s what you need.

“We have the quality, and we know what type of player he is and if you can add that extra touch to his game, and everyone can add one … David is doing that this year.

“Creating chances and scoring goals is always the most important thing in football, but as a defender you are always looking for something different.

“David has been amazing because he is bringing something to the team defensively.

“He is a special player, and you need special players. And when he is on form like he was at Sunderland, he is difficult to play against.”