5 players who need to step up for Manchester City in De Bruyne's absence

David Silva

Silva, for years, has been one of City's most consistent players

Perhaps the obvious answer to the problem. Silva will, in the biggest probability, be playing in the position left vacant by the Belgian. He is an attacking midfielder himself and has been one of the best in the business for several years.

His season last year wasn't any less brilliant than De Bruyne, where he got nine goals and 11 assists in the Premier League. The only problem is that Silva played in a position different to that of his counterpart - a much more fluid attacking position where he switched to the wings at times and even played as a false nine.

This was possible because Silva did not have many defensive responsibilities and was a free roamer in the attack. A role similar to that of De Bruyne might hamper his influence and natural play.

Silva nonetheless will be the chief creative force in City's attack for the majority of the season.