“Oh my God I can’t believe it, I’ve never been this far away from home!” That would have been a lyric that Jesus Navas could have identified with a few years ago.

The Spain winger suffered from chronic, debilitating homesickness which meant he found it incredibly difficult to leave his native Seville for international matches.

Fortunately he underwent counselling which meant that he established himself in the Spain team in time to pick up winners’ medals at World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012, often making an impact as a substitute.

But at Sevilla, he has been a more central figure – not in terms of positioning – but in relation to his importance on the field and among the fanbase.

When I lived in Seville during the 2008/09 season, it was pretty clear who the club’s fan favourites were.

Freddy Kanoute was a popular figure, with a Mali flag often hung on one of the lower tiers of the Sanchez Pijuan stadium on matchdays.

Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano was also a popular name. But the diminutive Navas was the man who occupied the biggest space in the locals’ hearts.

A native of Seville province and a graduate of the excellent academy, his lightening quick feet and loyalty were appreciated (admittedly homesickness may have kept him at the Sanchez Pizjuan for so long).

That 2008/09 season was a clear example of Navas’ game. Wherever you were perched in the stadium, the same formula was followed.

Sevilla would break out of defence, getting the ball to target man Kanoute. He would lay it off to Navas and the pacey winger would dash upfield before crossing for the forwards. It tended to work as well, seeing as Sevilla regularly finished in the Top 5.

Unlike many of Spain’s recent products, Navas is a traditional winger who concentrates on dominating his right flank rather than roaming inside.

Consequently he is not a prolific goalscorer, netting just 23 league goals in almost 300 games for Sevilla. Indeed this season he has not scored at all, despite being a virtual ever-present.

But it is his crossing that is his strong point. This season he notched six assists, while last season he got 14. He also ranks 12^th in terms of accurate crosses per game in La Liga.

Tactics

Based on his stats and ability, he is an astute buy for Manchester City at a fee of about €20 million.

But it is not clear whether he would fit into the Barcelona-style 4-3-3 that City’s bosses want to implement, given his lack of goals.

Throughout his career, he has played on the right wing of a 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1, but a purer 4-3-3 would require a greater level of support for the central striker than a 4-2-3-1 where the attacking midfielder provides greater support.

However, Man City’s expected appointment as manager, Manuel Pellegrini could be the man to unlock that side of Navas’ game.

At Malaga, the Chilean coach was able to engineer former Real Betis, Valencia and Spain winger Joaquin into a more central figure.

Joaquin allegedly got his pace and power by famously being breastfed till the age of six (or 11 according to some reports) but Pellegrini managed to add a layer of guile to his play.

However Navas mental strength will also be tested. He may have overcome his homesickness but one can point to fellow Sevillano Jose Antonio Reyes who struggled after promising beginnings at Arsenal.

Reyes and Navas come from similar backgrounds so adapting to life in foreign climes will be a slight cause for concern.