Reina lauds Silva for switch

Liverpool and Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes David Silva’s move to England has helped the midfielder’s career immensely.

Silva moved from Valencia to Manchester City last season and has lit up the English Premier League with his displays this term for the Sky Blues, who top the table.

“Playing in England has certainly helped him. It has made him a regular starter for Spain,” Reina told reporters.

“He’s up there with the best in the Premier League. He has improved since he came to England, just like Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres did when they joined us at Liverpool and just like Juan Mata will do at Chelsea.”

“It helps you become a better player playing in a different league.”

Spain have been praised for their style of play which has seen them win the European Championships and World Cup.

But Reina warned that other countries cannot just copy their passing game as they do not have the players to match.

“We have found a great generation of players the same age,” he said.

“These players know how to win because they have won at a lower level before stepping up to the seniors.”

“But it is not always possible to play our way. It depends on the player and the team and the philosophy you have.”

“Not everyone can play as we do because no one has the quality of players we do.”