5 potential replacements for Manchester City's David Silva

In King Arthur's tales, Merlin was a magician who would grow younger as every year passed by. But, that does not seem to be the case with David Silva, City's own little magician. As the sand swiftly falls down the hourglass, so does the silky Spaniard's young age.

Since Sheikh Mansour took over the Citizens, the Merlin of Manchester has been an indispensable part of the Blues rising domination in the Premier League. His jaw-dropping sorcery has delighted fans beyond their wildest dreams. Along with Aguero and Toure, he has been the spine of City's attack in the last few years, winning an FA Cup, a Community Shield, two League titles and two English League Cups.

Silva possesses a majestic vision when it comes to creating chances for his teammates. Even the most hardcore United fans can't help but eulogise the silky Spaniard's talent with the ball. Yaya Toure has been right enough in comparing him to Barcelona legends, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

But, things are never meant to be forever. The 31-year-old has made up his mind to return to his home country. Silva has already had a verbal agreement with second-tier club Las Palmas after in 2019, provided they qualify for the top tier. He has rejected the likes of Madrid and Barcelona to stay with the Citizens till 2019.

A player of Silva's quality is hard to find. But with cross-town rivals becoming increasingly strong every year, City must find a worthy replacement for the beating heart of their attack. The following five players could be considered to fill in the boots of the Merlin of Manchester.

---

#5 JAMES RODRIGUEZ

Rodriguez was sent on a two-year loan to Bayern Munich

James Rodriguez would never have expected a two-year loan after winning the Champions League. However, Zidane thought otherwise. Manchester City could well try to snatch the skilful playmaker from Real Madrid's clutches, although James is serving his two-year loan at Bayern Munich.

Along with a good creativity, James is a clinical finisher and is a constant threat from outside the box. The Columbian would link up well with strikers Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero, forming a deadly trio in the attack. Also, Silva lacks James' scoring ability.

James scored 8 goals and bagged 6 assists in 22 league games for the Los Blancos. He also proved to be a pivotal part in Real's Champions League triumph last season. He created 44 chances, averaging 2 per game.

#4 THIAGO ALCANTARA

Alcantara has worked with Guardiola at Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola will certainly be aware of Thiago Alcantara's incredible quality as a midfielder. It was the City boss who persuaded Thiago to sign for Bayern from Barcelona during his time with the Bavarian champions.

Thiago was a youth prospect at La Masia, which adds an extra strength to his CV as an attacking midfielder. The little Spaniard is deft at scoring goals and creating assists for his forwards. But, being a 25-year-old, Alcantara still hasn't been a regular starter for Bayern.

With the FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the Spaniard must make sure he has maximum game time in order to cement his place in Spain's starting XI. Guardiola could be keen to link up with his former co-worker, guaranteeing him a role in the heart of the attack at Manchester City. Plus, a hefty package and a chance to play in the most competitive league might be hard to turn down for Alcantara.

Thiago scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists in 27 league games for the Bavarians. He created 48 chances, averaging 1.78 per game.

#3 MESUT OZIL

Ozil created 98 chances for last season grabbed 9 assists

The 28-year old has been under scrutiny in recent times, with his contract talks already hitting rock bottom. Ozil has only a year left on his current contract. But, the German intends to leave the Gunners for free to join ex-Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho. The two worked really well at Real Madrid as Jose created a counter-attacking machine that beat Pep's Barca to the League.

Ozil netted 8 goals and provided 9 assists in 33 league games for Arsenal last season. He created 98 chances, with an average of 2.97 per game. With a keen eye for passes, Ozil's first touch is second to none. He fits in as a perfect replacement for Silva, with both having similar playing styles and attacking attributes.

Although the German is keen on reuniting with Mourinho at Old Trafford, Guardiola should make an early swoop, trying to capture the talented midfielder.

#2 CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

Eriksen created a mammoth 111 chances for Tottenham last season

Pochettino's Tottenham finished as runners-up last season, and Eriksen had a lion's share in their success. The Tottenham attacking midfielder would be a great signing for Man City, considering their depth in attack. He seems to be another worthy candidate to replace the Merlin.

Although, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be the biggest hurdle when City try and poach the Dane from Spurs. Levy has earned a reputation for being a tough negotiator when it comes to selling players.

Apparently, Sir Alex refused to sign Gareth Bale from Tottenham because he didn't want another of those nightmare sessions he had during Dimitar Berbatov's move to United. Levy also incurred Mourinho's wrath when he demanded an extra two million for Luka Modric at the eleventh hour, during his sale to Real Madrid.

But, Guardiola must be prepared to go through all that, if he plans to bring Eriksen to Etihad. The young midfielder is one of Tottenham's pillars and also a world-class playmaker. Eriksen scored 8 goals and grabbed 15 assists, being the top assists maker last season. He also created a mammoth and league-best 111 chances for Tottenham, averaging 3.8 per game.

Guardiola would certainly like to go through all the pain to see Eriksen playing in the blue half of Manchester.

#1 BERNARDO SILVA

Bernardo Silva joined the Citizens from AS Monaco this summer

A player who shares his name with the Merlin himself, Bernardo Silva is aptly skilled when it comes to creating chances for his teammates to score goals. While City try to look around themselves for a perfect replacement for the little wizard, Bernardo might be the best option who they already have.

The playmaker played a whopping 37 league games for AS Monaco in the Ligue 1. He scored 8 goals and provided 9 assists last season. Silva created 59 chances in the whole season, averaging at 1.59 per game as he helped his side trump PSG to the Ligue 1 title.

Guardiola has a stellar reputation when it comes to grooming young players. After all, he is the one who created the dynamite we know as Leo Messi. The Spaniard could help Bernardo Silva become better and better in the coming years until he is worthy of being called as the successor to the man they call Merlin.