David Silva voted Manchester City’s best player of Sheikh Mansour era

The Spain playmaker received 53 per cent of votes in a poll held in conjunction with the Manchester City Supporters Club ahead of the 10th anniversary of Sheikh Mansour’s purchase of the club on September 1.

Since the takeover City have risen to become one of the most powerful forces in the game with three Premier League titles among seven major trophies won.

Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany also polled well in a vote to find who fans believe have been the best players of the era.

After receiving 741 responses from supporters club members, the results of the poll were as follows:

David Silva (53 per cent – 393 votes)

(Joined 2010 from Valencia, £26million)

The Spanish playmaker was a clear winner in the poll. Silva may be understated off the pitch and not command the headlines that some of his colleagues do, but his value to the side is clearly not lost on City fans. The 32-year-old has been a key performer under three managers, providing a creative spark and a key link between defence and attack. His vision and exquisite use of the ball, particularly in terms of passing ability, continue to astound.

“We call him ‘The Magician’ and that’s exactly what he is, a player that just seems to get better with age,” said supporters club general secretary Kevin Parker.

Sergio Aguero (24.3 per cent – 180 votes)

(Joined 2011 from Atletico Madrid, £38million)

The prolific Argentina forward arrived with a bang, striking twice on his debut, and has found the net repeatedly ever since, becoming the club’s record goalscorer last season. A devastating finisher and a nightmare for goalkeepers, Aguero has already hit another landmark this term by taking his City tally past 200 goals. Recent years have also seen him develop his all-round game to make him even more valuable. His name will forever be etched into club folklore after scoring the dramatic last-gasp goal that clinched City’s first Premier League title in 2012.

“His goalscoring record speaks for itself and I’m sure he’s going to break more records,” said Parker. “And, of course, nobody will ever forget 93.20 on May 13, 2012.”

Vincent Kompany (9.6 per cent – 71 votes)

(Joined 2008 from Hamburg, £6million)

City’s influential captain and defensive bedrock has spanned the entire era and witnessed the transformation first hand having arrived shortly before the takeover. He was signed as a midfielder but soon took up position at the heart of defence, where his commanding performances made him an obvious leader. Injuries have been a recurring frustration but, when fit, Kompany has not only been a formidable performer but someone who has inspired those around him. In addition, he has proved a fine ambassador for the club.

Parker said: “Captain fantastic whose value has been there for everyone to see.”

Yaya Toure (4.7 per cent – 35 votes)

(Joined 2010 from Barcelona, £24million)

A strong and powerful goalscoring midfielder, Toure was the driving force for much of the early successes of the Sheikh Mansour era. His rampaging style tormented opponents and dominant performances were often topped off with key goals. At times he seemed high maintenance and his City career petered out somewhat before he left at the end of last season – a departure followed up with some controversial comments about current boss Pep Guardiola – but his place among the City greats is not in doubt.

Parker said: “Until his ridiculous comments in the summer I’m sure Yaya might even have topped this list or come in number two. His status with supporters has diminished a little, which is a shame, because if you look at his footballing ability it’s unquestionable.”

Kevin De Bruyne (3.9 per cent – 29 votes)

(Joined 2015 from Wolfsburg, £55million)

The brilliant Belgian playmaker belongs to the more recent wave of players who have propelled City to even greater heights. Spurned by Chelsea earlier in his career, De Bruyne has developed into the complete player since returning to the Premier League and he was outstanding in last season’s title success. The 27-year-old seems to have everything in his locker to ensure attacks carry a cutting edge. He threads passes few players could even see, rarely stops running and can finish powerfully. With age on his side, there should be plenty more to come.

“Kevin is part of the new breed,” Parker said. “You can’t fault his ability and if you take this poll in another 10 years people might say he is top of the list.”

Others: Pablo Zabaleta 13 votes; Carlos Tevez 10 votes; Fernandinho, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko 2 votes each; Joe Hart, Nigel de Jong, Raheem Sterling, Ederson 1 vote each.