da betsson： David Silva is a silky engineer in the middle of the Manchester City engine room.
da wazamba： Yet amongst other City players, he rarely gets a mention as plaudits go to the, when fit, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and the talents of Yaya Toure.
As the Spanish lifted the European Championship trophy in 2008, their football shone a light on an engaging and almost mesmeric style of play. They moved the ball with ease, they were free to move, they held the ball and seldom lost possession and played out wide whilst cutting in from the wings with a potent and lethal strike force.
Silva was a massive part of the Spanish side success of 2008, 2010 and 2012, when they took the world by storm.
A talented and agile left footed player, Silva joined City from Valencia in 2010 and has become one of the best midfield players in the league. Six years down the line and Silva has lost none of his trickery, intelligence and skills – and although never mentioned as being linked away from The Etihad – he has many notable admirers.
Following his debut season in the Premier League, Silva emerged as one of the league’s finest playmakers. Carlos Tevez praised him as “the best signing we [Manchester City] have made.”
The 30-year-old Spaniard is known for having an excellent first touch, good dribbling skills, and outstanding technical ability, which, along with his intelligent attacking movements, allow him to retain possession in tight spaces, and to create space for himself and team-mates to open up a defence.
Essentially a traditional number 10, his composure on the ball, as well as his vision, passing accuracy, ability to read the game, pick a pass, and control the tempo of his team’s play have seen him become one of the best players in the world in his position, and earned him the nickname Merlin.
Although he primarily serves as a playmaker for City, he is capable of scoring goals himself as well as creating them, which enables him to play in several offensive roles.
Although Silva is highly regarded at City, in recent months he has been dogged with nagging injuries and this has meant more than just a few missed matches. With the calibre in depth that Pellegrini could call upon, many would dismiss Silva as not being missed, but that’s far from the truth.
Manchester City lack a spark in their play without the skills of one of their most experienced players and it’s as though Silva plays in a sky blue bubble. No criticism aimed, little praise received. Almost unnoticed.
Perhaps it is a quirk of playing for this modern City team that Silva, by and large, has escaped the sort of hype reserved for top players at other big clubs.
It works both ways. Kevin De Bruyne has not received the same level of scrutiny either. Angel Di Maria had a very mixed reception from Manchester United fans and was virtually considered to be a United flop, yet both men commanded roughly the same in transfer fees. Few would recogniSe Fernandinho’s fine efforts last season and in fact, he was listed as one of City’s big-money flops in one well-respected newspaper before last Christmas.
Will Silva’s achievements therefore be forgotten as he drifts through the coming season? He’ll play a part under Guardiola, but he’ll do it without fanfare and without fuss. He’ll be mercurial and astonishing without it being highlighted and he’ll be the consummate professional without causing any problems if he’s dropped in Guardila’s rotational system.
One of the best in his position – it’s a shame he’s not applauded more.
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