Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Stoke City
By Larry Henry
![STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a15525807371b29fc1544d4017a12097740a73ae0873f1725f8e7bebf5552e98.jpg)
Second Center Midfielder – David Silva
Despite heading into the second-half of his career, David Silva is still an important piece to Manchester City’s style of play. His eight assists prove that Silva is a passer first, than a goalscorer second. The Spaniard is great at breaking down opposing defenses, while always finding an option offensively. When starting with KDB, Manchester City then have two top passing options in their attacking-front. Stoke’s Joe Allen is an honorable mention for this combined XI, but he is not on Silva’s level.