Samir Nasris Manchester City career has been somewhat hit-and-miss.The highs have been glorious. He is one of the most technically gifted attacking midfielders in the Premier League, and when hes on song hes a joy to watch. His role in both Citys recent title wins cannot be underestimated, with his guile and passing, as well as ability to retain possession when City are looking to see games out, vital elements of their successes.Hes often played as a wide man for the Blues, but he rarely stays confined to the wings, preferring instead to drift inside where he can pick more dangerous passes, often linking up effectively with David Silva in central areas.The problem Nasri has had at City is consistencyhis moments of genius too often cancelled out by periods of inactivity. In Roberto Mancinis final season in charge, as City looked to defend their Premier League crown, Nasri endured a miserable campaign, spending most of his time on the periphery of matches and failing to impact games in any significant way.And again last season, as Citys form faltered, Nasri once again went missing. He was superb in December, particularly in the wins over Everton and Roma, but at the turn of the year, when Citys results really began to suffer, the Frenchman fell away badly. He was dropped after being taken off at half-time in the Nou Camp in March and was hardly seen again. It can sometimes feel as though when things arent going well and City need their big players to pull them through a difficult period, Nasri cant be counted on to deliver.Given he was largely frozen out by Manuel Pellegrini during the final weeks of last season, its been no surprise to see him start this season on the bench. Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling have occupied the flanks, and the pace and balance they provide has been key to Citys impeccable start.They are true wingers who like to hug the touchline, stretching back fours and allowing Silva space in central areas to dictate play. Silva has been irrepressible in the opening three games of the season, and City have taken maximum points. Nasri must accept his bit-part role, for now at least.A superb cameo at Everton on Sunday, though, has given Pellegrini a headache. With City 1-0 up at a ground they have often struggled at, Nasri slowed the play down and did what he does best: retained possession and frustrated the opposition. He added Citys second with a neat lob over Tim Howard after a quite brilliant one-two with Yaya Toure and looked classy from the moment he came on. It was a timely reminder to his manager of his qualities, particularly with Kevin De Bruyne expected to sign before the transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports.It was a display which suggested Nasri is up for the fight of winning back his place. It would be easy for him to look forlorn and uninterested given the paucity of his appearances since City's defeat in Barcelona, but from the moment he entered the game on Sunday he looked desperate to impress. The hunger was back.He brought neat passing and typically tenacious hold-up play on the flank. He drifted allover the pitch, linking up play and looking to pick passes in central areas.Rather than trying to replicate what Sterling offers, he brought something completely different, and it allowed City see out the game comfortably.Most observers would suggest he should replace Navas in the side for City's next match at home to Watford. It's understandable. Nasri possesses more quality on the ball. Anyone who saw Navas' goal attempt when clean through at Goodison Parkwhich contrasted sharply with the beautiful finish Nasri supplied for City's secondwill attest to that.Yet Navas remains a grossly underrated player. His defensive contribution is remarkable, and his ability to stretch the game with blistering pace has been proven again in the opening weeks of the campaign. His 35 league appearances last season47 in all competitionsfurther underlined the faith Pellegrini has in the Spaniard.De Bruyne's arrival would further impact on Nasri's chances of playing regularly. De Bruyne has been chased by City all summer, with the club refusing to be beaten in negotiations with Wolfsburg to sign the player.The amount of money City would have to part with to sign himupwards of 50 millionsuggests he would be a starter, and if he can reproduce his form of last season, where he scored 10 and assisted 20 in the Bundesliga, he would be difficult to dislodge.Nasri must be patient. His form at the back-end of last season means he's justifiably on the bench for now. His astuteness tactically means he has a vital role to play from the bench, and if his performances are good enough, he could well find himself back in the side.His ability to operate in a number of roles means his chances of stepping in when injury or suspension strike is high. He will get chances to impress and he has the quality to take them.His story at City, so far, has been one of frustration. He's an outrageously talented footballer, but question marks remain about his mental strength. When he looks focused, there are few the City fans trust more, but he has too often undermined his best periods by fading during others.A move away from City in the summer may have benefitted his career, but there are few clubs who would want him and could afford him. Nasri quite rightly sees himself as a hugely talented player, but would one of Europes top clubs, such as Barcelona or Bayern Munich, find space for him in their side' Its highly unlikely.And his bumper contract at City means most other sides would struggle to afford him. As a result, both the player and City had to accept a deal for him to move away was unlikely.Nasri's struggle to find a regular place in the City side highlights the vast amounts of quality in Pellegrini's squad.He would walk into most Premier League sides outside of the top four, yet finds himself struggling for starts at this new-look City.His ability remains undoubted, though. He looks fit and focused after a summer of rest and reflection. It would be foolish to write him off now. He has a significant role to play at City this season.Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.
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