Euro 2016 Top 50 Players: Number 27 David Silva

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The 30-year-old Spaniard goes into the tournament after an injury-hit season with Manchester City.

David Silva, Spain – faces Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia in Group D

HITC Sport writers have compiled a list of the top 50 stars at Euro 2016, assessing players from across the 24 countries taking part at this summer’s tournament.

Coming in at number 27 is Spain playmaker David Silva, who’ll be hoping to put a difficult season with Manchester City behind him as Vicente del Bosque’s side look to win an historic hat-trick of consecutive European titles.

The top players at Euro 2016 1-50: Read the entire list

International record: 96 caps, 23 goals since 2006

2015-16: While Silva’s quality had never previously been questioned during his time at City, this past season was when he finally started showing clear signs of decline.

The 30-year-old midfielder started off brightly, recording four assists in the club’s first four Premier League games, but subsequently picked up an ankle injury which plagued him for the rest of the campaign.

Limited to 24 top-flight appearances, he ultimately ended the season with just two league goals after scoring 12 during the previous term as Kevin De Bruyne replaced him as the team’s creative genius and chief chance creator.

He still managed to grab 11 assists in spite of his struggles, but at 30 years old, questions are now being asked about his future at the Etihad Stadium. The incoming Pep Guardiola will be looking to revamp the squad Manuel Pellegrini has left him this summer, and it remains to be seen whether the former Valencia man fits into his fellow Spaniard’s plans when he’ll have to adapt to a high-intensity pressing game.

What can we expect?

Silva was a key figure in the Spain side that won back-to-back Euro titles either side of their 2010 World Cup win thanks to his attacking versatility, and he continues to be a favourite of Del Bosque despite his struggles over the past eight months.

While the likes of Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata have been left at home, the City star will likely go into the tournament as the team’s first-choice starter on the right flank and could earn his 100^th cap during the group stages.

There are still some questions about his fitness after missing the final month of the season, but if he can return to top form and help La Roja make up for their early exit at the 2014 World Cup, it could go a long way towards convincing Guardiola of his value to the Sky Blues.