Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson says Elano will be even better next season.

"I think Elano had been out of form for some time and you have seen the results," mused the manager.

"To be fair and respectful to the other players, Elano and Petrov have been very important to us when you talk about goal-scoring, when you talk about creating chances all season. Petrov has been out and Elano down from his best so it has been good to see them back to their best in the last two matches.

"Elano is the player in our side with fantasy. The player who can see things that others may be cannot. He can score goals too.

"At Sunderland, he worked hard too - even defensively - and that is important. Then against Portsmouth the quality of his passing from full back was fantastic.

"Like the other players we signed this season, Elano will be better with this season under his belt here."