Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has hailed the importance of Carlos Tevez at the club.

The Argentina international had a controversial 2011-12 as he went AWOL after refusing to come off the bench in a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

However, with the South American forward restored to the Premier League champions' squad, Clichy has stated that Tevez is a crucial player for Roberto Mancini's men.

“He has been our best player so far this season," the France international told The Sun.

“He’s scored goals, worked really hard. He’s just a great player.

“What happened in Munich, and after, is nothing to do with me. It was between him and the boss.

“It’s all sorted now. Carlos in top form would be a great player for any team. Let’s hope he can carry on scoring.

“The passion he has for the game, the way he presses defenders, lifts the team — we need a player like this so well done Carlos.

“We want players who bring something extra and he does that. He can make a big difference for us this season," the full-back concluded.

City take on German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

By Gareth McKnight