Silva names Messi the best player in the world and Mane the best in EPL

Manchester City star David Silva has named Liverpool forward Sadio Mane as the best player in the Premier League.

City and Liverpool have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years as they have established themselves as the two dominant sides in the country.

Yet, regardless of how competitive things are on the pitch, the two sets of players have remained respectful of each other away from the spotlight, which makes it no surprise that Silva has named Mane as the best non-City player in England this season.

"In the whole world, it's easy — Messi is the best," the Spaniard responded during a Reddit Q&A when asked to name the best player who is currently playing who he hasn't played alongside.

"In England, I think it would be Sadio Mane at Liverpool, he's doing really well."

Silva's City teammate Kevin De Bruyne feels the same way, having told BT Sport that Mane would've received his vote for this season's PFA player of the year award.

"If I had to vote, I would say Mane," De Bruyne said. "I think he's been the total package this year for Liverpool and he's been important. I think if i had to choose somebody I would choose Mane."

Silva was also asked about the best players he has played alongside during his 10 years at City.

"That's a hard one, isn't it, because I've played with so many," Silva replied when asked to name his best-ever City teammate.

"Of course De Bruyne, for importance in these years, I can say Yaya, Kun, Vinny, Joe Hart in his time… They were really the spine of City, and then many more important players came.

"Also Carlos Tevez, who for me is one of the best to ever play. There are so many! Dzeko too. I could keep going, there are so many."