David Silva has been described as one of the best players to have ever played the game … by no less than legend Andres Iniesta.
Believed to be the best Premier League player of the last decade by many good judges, Silva is now featuring in a new documentary about his life and times at Manchester City.
And some of the greats who shared a pitch with him at international level have opened up about what makes him special.
Barcelona legend David Villa says that Silva was one of the players who, along with Xavi and Iniesta proved that you could win a World Cup, and two European Championships, without having physical specimens in midfield.
“I've been able to enjoy playing alongside him for many years at Valencia and for Spain,” said the striker, who retired earlier this month.
“He's the kind of player that with the ball at his feet, a striker knows the killer pass could come at any second. A terrifying talent for a striker like myself to have behind them.
“We showed the world that you can win with technique in midfield, you don't need physical players. With Xavi, Iniesta and Silva we went through that generational change.
“He lifts everyone's performance on the pitch, and that's a huge talent to have.”
Silva proved his quality by holding his own in that Spain midfield, despite slotting in with Barcelona aces Xavi and Iniesta, and having been rejected by Real Madrid for being too small and by Barca for not scoring enough goals.
Iniesta said: “He pulls the strings on the pitch. A brilliant footballer with great movement, he can score, assist, a player who decides a game.
“He's got so much to his game, that I would consider him one of the best ever.”
Xavi was equally fulsome in his praise: “He's a spectacular footballer. He has been throughout his career. For the national team he has been a cornerstone of that generation of highly talented Spanish footballers.
“David was a vital component and absolutely essential to that team.
“David Silva is one of the most talented players Spain has ever produced, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Stephensna11
0
The only player I think is similar to Messi, such a great player 💙💙🙏🙏👏👏👏
Kizcklrsu
1
who else remembered David Villa n David Silvers combination at Valencia?🔥🔥
Bibek-Koirala
0
poor young city fans have David Silva as their history
if u talk about ucl our star have world cup and euro
MalemMarhsial
1
when he played for Valencia,I knew he will be a threat to a opponent.
albertaguero
0
some say he is overrated but he is among with xavi and iniesta.....but he doesnt played for barca thats the real difference between them
totally agree🙌💥
Wibadeorsu
5
David silver made me to be a cityzen
SolomonEscober
0
some say he is overrated but he is among with xavi and iniesta.....but he doesnt played for barca thats the real difference between them
he is actually underrated, if I give iniesta 99, I'll give 97 he is not far away from there
SolomonEscober
0
Silva is a magician, anytime he has the ball on his feet behind the striker line wen playing against Chelsea, am always scared cos he can deliver a killer pass from anywhere, anyhow, anytime
Iamshadow
2
poor young city fans have David Silva as their history
David Silva has more PL titles than Gerrard[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
segxxzmichael
1
These are all truths about the magical Silva, I love him so much as the magnificent footballer that he is and has been all his career. He is definitely one of the best ever Spain has ever produced.
Yauklstu
0
some say he is overrated but he is among with xavi and iniesta.....but he doesnt played for barca thats the real difference between them
He is in the Xavi and Iniesta bracket like you just mentioned he is a sensational footballer i have always wanted him in Barca but that never materialised
Bibek-Koirala
1
poor young city fans have David Silva as their history
what your gerrad have
dahimty
1
true talk he is a very special and talented player. A player you want to watch any time any day.
Hiocmoty
0
DAVID SILVA is the one who made me CITYZEN. because of him i chose Mancity. For me i never seen one day DAVID 21LVA playing awfull even if Manchester City or Spanish team playing bad. i cant say we as MANCHESTER CITY family have only luck to have this MAESTRO for so long but allfootball fans around the world because this Genius guy is special to watch.
poor young city fans have David Silva as their history
bra_limo
0
DAVID SILVA is the one who made me CITYZEN. because of him i chose Mancity. For me i never seen one day DAVID 21LVA playing awfull even if Manchester City or Spanish team playing bad. i cant say we as MANCHESTER CITY family have only luck to have this MAESTRO for so long but allfootball fans around the world because this Genius guy is special to watch.
He made me choose mancity as well and I'm just wondering how to cope without him in this team from next season.
WestonTalks
6
David Silva will be in my team any day any time. One of the reason I started following ManCity.
Peuacmrs
2
DAVID SILVA is the one who made me CITYZEN. because of him i chose Mancity. For me i never seen one day DAVID 21LVA playing awfull even if Manchester City or Spanish team playing bad. i cant say we as MANCHESTER CITY family have only luck to have this MAESTRO for so long but allfootball fans around the world because this Genius guy is special to watch.
Mokekrt
4
DAVID SILVA is the one who made me CITYZEN. because of him i chose Mancity. For me i never seen one day DAVID 21LVA playing awfull even if Manchester City or Spanish team playing bad. i cant say we as MANCHESTER CITY family have only luck to have this MAESTRO for so long but allfootball fans around the world because this Genius guy is special to watch. El Mago El Magico We love you for ever💙💙💙💙💙💙
ishti
7
As a City fan I can't thank him enough for bringing so much joy to us. One of the best to grace the PL and one of the least appreciated. El Mago
nezbdsy
3
A legend no doubt about it
Moliqueresternoh
5
He is pure magic his biggest strength being operating in small spaces. He is a legend to be missed by City at the end of the season..
albertaguero
6
some say he is overrated but he is among with xavi and iniesta.....but he doesnt played for barca thats the real difference between them