Ode to David Silva

Manchester City playmaker David Silva is one of my favourite Premier League players ever. I do not support the Citizens, but Silva is the sort of player that is hard to dislike. His brilliance crosses the boundaries of club rivalries. I have even heard Manchester United begrudgingly talk about the midfielder in glowing terms, that is just how good he is with a football at his feet

A difficult year for Silva

On the pitch, he is a football magician, off the pitch he comes across as a humble down to earth person, who despite his achievements still in the real world.

The Spaniard and his partner have been through so much worry in the last year, with their son Mateo arriving extremely prematurely in January. Thankfully, after five months in hospital, it seems that the little Silva is now thriving.

The midfielder brought his son out on to the pitch prior to the Citizens 6-1 win over Huddersfield Town. He received almost as big as an ovation as his dad.

Still producing at the top level

I remember watching Silva at Valencia in La Liga in his early career, and even then, it was clear he was a special player. Since moving to City, Silva has moved to the next level.

Silva was once again orchestrating things for City against Huddersfield on Sunday. His clever movement, vision and spatial awareness are a nightmare for defenders. The 32-year-old scored a superb free-kick early in the second half, which was his 49^th goal in the Premier League.

However, the former Spanish international should not be judged on goals alone. Football intelligence and sheer technical ability separate him from the crowd in the Premier League.

He may be into his early thirties, but his football brain is still as sharp as ever. The younger players around him at City, especially the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Phil Foden could do well to watch how Silva plays the game.

The former Valencia star is not just a show pony either, he works hard and is not scared to put his foot in when needed. Basically, he is a dream player for any team or manager. When available, Guardiola very rarely omitted Silva from his starting line-up last season but rotated the majority of his other midfield players.

The Spanish midfielder has just a year left on his contract at City. There has been no indication of the midfielder’s plans, as he has had things that are more important on his mind than football. Who knows what the future may bring.

Silva still has a part to play for City

David Silva is still a hugely influential player at City. With the Citizens looking to retain their Premier League crown, something they are odds of 8/15 to do, and win the Champions League this season, Silva’s experience at the top level could be vitally important.

Guardiola has stated that he will rest Silva on a more regular basis this season, so he may be rotated more this season. The fact that Silva has now retired from international duty with Spaniard could prolong his club career.

It would be a shame to see less of the Spaniard on a football field, especially as he approaching the final stages of his career. He has been a truly magnificent player for club and country down the years.

It has been a pleasure to watch David Silva’s career so far. I just hope we have the privilege of watching the Spanish magician grace the Premier League for a long time to come.

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