Following David Silva’s arrival in June 2010, he has quickly established himself in the Manchester City side.

Many pundits have highlighted how Silva has become a key player maker for the Blues and their dip in form this season has coincided with his absence through injury and the team has again picked up in thrilling run in to the season just after Silva returned to the side. But how good is the Spanish International??

Well the positives are that he is an excellent creative playmaker who can often pick out magical passes. You’d only need to look back to their famous 6-1 win over local rivals Manchester United for a demonstration of his abilities. Silva has contributed 18 assists in all competitions and has made more assists than any other premier league player this season. Not only this, but with 8 goals to add to his assists, he certainly seems the real deal.

The negative aspects are that when he isn’t quite on song, Manchester City have struggled, what’s more the midfielder has been plagued with by persistent ankle injuries and before his lengthy lay off his form at the turn of the year had not matched his early season prowess. However city have found that Yaya Toure has been able to fill the void when Silva is not available, it is clear that ‘The Citizens’ require both players to operate at full capacity.

Silva has already indicated a desire to stay on at City beyond the two years which remain on his contract and there is little doubt that Mancini will be keen to keep him at the club as should he continue to progress as he has, city will need him to challenge for the premiership title once again.

Adam Johnson has said that it would be great even if Manchester City won the Carling cup. The Carling cup is regarded as one of the least important trophies during the entire season, but Adam Johnson reckons that even with the addition of silverware in the form of the Carling cup, Manchester City can rejoice.

Johnson was quick to point out that trophies are the need of the hour for Manchester City, and they will be extremely willing to lift the Carling cup at the new Wembley like they did for the FA Cup back in the summer.

Adam Johnson was speaking after the 1-0 win over Arsenal, which has now provided Manchester City with the opportunity to play in the semifinals. The Carling cup was one of the most important trophies for José Mourinho when he took over at Chelsea. He recognised the value of winning a trophy together with the team, and one can say that the Carling cup was the start of many trophies for Chelsea. Adam Johnson also believes that this will be the case with Manchester City as well. However, Manchester City also have to focus on the Premier League and the European competitions as well. Further, there is also the FA Cup to consider as well.

“If we can have come away with another trophy or another final it will be massive for the club, so it is another competition we want to win. It was a tough game for us. Having to come here having had a long week with a lot of travelling was hard but we have come away with a win and a place in the semi-finals now," added Johnson said after the 1-0 win over Arsenal. Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the game.