Elano has made his point to Manchester City boss Mark Hughes that by playing him on a regular basis the Brazilian would produce his best form. Elano has started the last four games and feels a run in the first team has helped him to rekindle his partnership with close friend Robinho.

"You can only achieve a certain rhythm of play by playing regularly," he told The Independent. "This proves that what I said was right.

"When I wasn't playing he (Robinho) was also unhappy as he knew I could play. It has been shown so far that when I'm playing, Robinho can produce even better goods.

"When I was on the bench I was seeing things I could have done better for him. I know his style of play. I know how he wants to receive the ball, where he likes passes to be made.

"In the Everton match I made the pass and he scored, 1-0 for us. That shows we have a natural, mutual understanding.

"I'm not taking anything away from other players but there are certain things that you can achieve playing for many years. We know our positions form each other on the pitch. It can only grow even more."