David Silva can bring golden form to Champions League

With Manchester City looking to at last reach their potential in Europe, the man who has perhaps been the Premier League’s most influential player of the current season will be looking to stamp his authority on the Champions League.

Proving a key component in City’s transition to one of the most offensive and attractive football sides in the world, David Silva has sharpened his eye for goal this campaign, to complement his insatiable passing range and penchant for assists.

Silva himself has admitted he is in the form of his life, and City’s upcoming trip to Villarreal will be a fantastic opportunity for the playmaker to transfer his domestic form into European competition on his native Spanish soil.

Available at 7/1 to hit the first goal at the El Madrigal Stadium, it could pay off to back Silva to breach the Villarreal backline tonight.

Braver punters could look to a scorecast bet, and with City’s solid backline teamed with an attacking approach, a 3-0 scoreline with Silva as first goalscorer looks an appealing bet at a big 60/1.

As with many of the Spanish national squad, and in particular midfielders, a lack of height has failed to stop Silva grow into a deep-lying playmaker role and demonstrate his class even within the physically challenging English Premier League.

That said, Silva’s playing and passing style makes him a seamless fit in the European game, as proved by his most recent performance for the Spanish national side.

He managed to notch a brace in that game against Scotland and once again showed his uncanny ability to find space in seemingly tight areas.

Silva is 50/1 to score a hat-trick tonight and, as a shoe-in to play the full 90 minutes, it could be worth showing some interest in this price.