Elano conducting Man City revival

(CNN) -- When Sven-Goran Eriksson was named manager of Manchester City this summer, he was still regarded as a figure of fun by many football fans in England.

Revered in Italy for his exploits with Sampdoria and Lazio, the Swede was referred to as a failure for not getting the best of out of England's golden generation during his spell as 'Three Lions' national coach -- and ultimately became more famous for his colorful private life rather than his exploits on the touchline.

So, when Eriksson took charge of under-achieving City this summer -- and proceeded to spend $75 million of new owner Thaksin Shinawatra's money on a group of players he allegedly only viewed on video -- the knives were already being sharpened.

That cynicism has proved totally unjustified. City, for so long in rivals United's shadow, have been a revelation in the Premier League this season and with 10 games played they hold a Champions League position -- just one point and one place behind their Manchester neighbors.

There are many reasons for this upturn in fortunes. A miserly defense, marshalled by England's Micah Richards, has conceded just seven goals, while under-21 international Michael Johnson and veteran German Dietmar Hamann have complimented each other superbly in midfield.

However, the key that has unlocked rival defenses this season has invariably been provided by playmaker Elano. Playing in front of Johnson and Hamann -- and behind the central striker -- the Brazilian has been the revelation of the Premier League.

Signed for $16 million from Shakhtar Donetsk, Elano had already proved his credentials by becoming the first player from the Ukrainian league to appear for the Brazilian national side.

Considering the competition for places in the Brazil midfield -- plus the lack of exposure playing in one of Europe's less glamorous countries -- that speaks volumes for the talent of the 26-year-old from Sao Paulo.

Elano endeared himself to the City faithful with a stunning pass for City's first goal in their opening day win at West Ham and has continued that form with four spectacular goals, three of them trademark free-kicks from outside the penalty area.

The Brazilian pulled the strings in City's superb 1-0 win over United in August and the measure of his influence can be found in the Premier League's goal assists charts, where he shares top position with Arsenal maestro Cesc Fabregas.

Elano's ability to thread a pass through the eye of a needle, his touch and control and his dead-ball skills are all typically Brazilian.

However, the ease in which he has settled into his new surroundings has been equally as impressive, especially given the fact that the club are still short of a world class striker to finish off their exciting approach play.

With Eriksson reportedly given more money to spend in the January transfer window -- and England strikers Michael Owen and Peter Crouch very much on his radar -- the future looks bright for City's prospects for the rest of the season.

It would be a tall order for them to keep hold of a Champions League place, but the video tape of Shakthar Donetsk's matches last season could well be the best piece of film that Sven Goran Eriksson has watched during his managerial career. E-mail to a friend