The fortunes of the club have changed drastically since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, and the players in the top five have all been important cogs in the well-oiled Manchester City machine in more immediate history.

I must admit, it was hard to seperate the top four, as they all have particular significance in the recent successes of the team. But everyone on the list has justified their inclusions to the City faithful.

5. Carlos Tévez, 2009-present

Tévez was another player who attracted more than his fair share of controversy at the club, which was maybe predictable with the Argentine joining from bitter rivals Manchester United. Despite transfer requests and a five-month unauthorised absence from the team, Tévez will be remembered fondly for his contributions at City.

In his first two seasons at the club, before Sergio Agüero’s arrival, Carlos was the talisman and leader of the team. He could win games on his own and inspire team performances. After his infamous disappearance from the team following a bust-up with Roberto Mancini, Tevez returned in fine form, helping City to win the last six league fixtures and leapfrog United to the summit of the Premier League. There will be some that can’t forgive his bizarre, and quite frankly frustrating antics, but most see him as an important player in the drastic rise of the team.

4. Vincent Kompany, 2008-present

Seven years have passed since Vincent Kompany arrived in Manchester, a week before Sheikh Mansour changed the course of City’s fortunes. Kompany has seen the club go from noisy neighbours to worthy winners, earning the captaincy on the way.

Kompany is the ultimate professional, articulate, authoritative and above all else, talented. He has established himself as one of the world’s best central defenders, despite joining the club as a holding midfielder. He will be remembered in years to come for a crucial goal in the title run-in of 2012, scoring the winner in a tight 1-0 win over United to overtake them into first position with two games left.

3. Yaya Touré, 2010-present

While Yaya has had his critics recently, having an 'off season' last year despite still scoring ten goals from midfield, he remains highly regarded by City fans. He may regret the birthday cake incident but his commitment to City on the pitch speaks volumes.

He has never failed to deliver when it really mattered. In his first season, he inspired a first piece of silverware for 35 years, with winning goals in both the semi and the final of the FA Cup. The season after, he almost guaranteed a first league title in 44 years with a brace at Newcastle, taking it to the final day with City top on goal difference. There are many more Yaya moments to mention, but they are the most important by far. He will have legendary status for decades to come at the club.

2. David Silva, 2010-present

The genius that is David Silva is entering his sixth season at the Etihad Stadium and as he gets older, he seems to get wiser, and better. He is unbelievable to watch, and leaves you open-mouthed at some of the passes he pulls off. I don't know how he sees most of them, never mind executes them.

He seems a quiet, humble person off the pitch as well. He's never in the headlines, he doesn't feature often in interviews and he stays out of the limelight. He has won almost everything there is to win, having triumphed with Spain winning two European Championships and a World Cup, and clearing up domestically with City. The only thing left for him is the Champions League. 

1. Sergio Agüero, 2011-present

There are few words to describe the impact Sergio Agüero has had on Manchester City since his then-club-record arrival from Atlético Madrid. He has proved a steal at £38million with his heroics against QPR in 2012, winning the league with the last kick of the season. 

That moment alone sees Kun etched into the history books, but he has also won the Golden Boot, scored vital goals in the Champions League, notably against Villarreal and Bayern Munich at home with a last minute winner, and almost carried the team at times. He will be remembered as a club legend forever.