Manchester City have completed the signing of Spanish international Nolito from Celta Vigo for a fee of £14 million.
At 29, the skepticism that’s greeted the move is warranted. The likes of Javi Garcia and Alvaro Negredo didn’t last at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Blues have also brought in some of their best ever players from the La Liga. Here, we take a look at the top five Nolito would hope to emulate…
DAVID SILVA – FROM VALENCIA
The Spanish playmaker has been at the heart of City’s success. David Silva simply oozes class and when he’s in the mood, the whole team play well. He creates chance after chance and has regularly dominated the assists column since his arrival in England.
No player has more Premier League assists over the last 4 seasons than David Silva (34).
SERGIO AGUERO – FROM ATLETICO DE MADRID
If you had to sum up Sergio Aguero, the term goal-machine would do just fine. Few things are for certain in this world but Aguero finding the net when he plays, is one of them. Unfortunately, his fitness is far from a certainty which has held him back a tad. Nevertheless, he’s scored 136 goals in 208 appearances for City and one of them was that dramatic maiden title winner against Queens Park Rangers deep into injury time.
YAYA TOURE – FROM BARCELONA
Once he picks up the ball and starts running through the midfield, there’s no stopping Yaya Toure. The Ivory Coast international is an absolute beast of a player and has inspired City to victory on multiple occasions. His form has dwindled in the last 18 months or so but there’s no denying his contribution to the club’s recent success.
ROBINHO – FROM REAL MADRID
The Brazilian joined the Manchester club in a shocking move on deadline day in the summer of 2008. Robinho’s stint with the Citizens was brief but peppered with moments of magic. He scored a sumptuous free-kick on debut and his hat-trick against Stoke City stands out. He added flair and stardust to a decent side on the up. His second season was marred by injury though and he eventually left midway through the campaign.
PABLO ZABALETA – FROM ESPANYOL
The Argentine defender has been the epitome of consistency during his spell with the club. He’s brave and reliable in defence while more than effective when marauding forward. He’s been faced with stiff competition from Bacary Sagna for that right-back slot in the past season though.
Pablo Zabaleta has won more tackles in the Premier League over the past 4 seasons (269) than any other player. Solid. pic.twitter.com/UiSH1lEnlY
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