As regards Silva, City fans need no reminding as to El Mago’s incredible influence ever since his arrival at the Club back in 2010.
Now, it appears, that message is resonating throughout the rest of the country as the midfield maestro has been voted as the Premier League’s greatest-ever Spanish player in a BBC poll.
“The City midfielder received 37% of the readers’ vote, with Xabi Alonso coming in second with 14% and Cesc Fabregas coming in 3rd with 13%,” revealed the Beeb’s website.
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“David Silva is alongside Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Eric Cantona as one of the greatest we ever had in the Premier League,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher last season.
“And fans have voted the Manchester City midfielder as the best Spanish player ever to have graced the Premier League.
“Silva and his magical left foot have played an integral role in City’s rise since he signed from Valencia in 2010. He has picked up three titles during that time, including their first since 1968.
“Like Torres, Silva was part of the “golden generation” of Spain players who won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, scoring in the final of the latter triumph.
“And though Silva announced his retirement from international football after this summer’s World Cup finals, he has begun the new season in imperious form.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Star claim that City manager Pep Guardiola could be weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund holding midfielder Julian Weigl.
Steve Millar scribes: Pep Guardiola has been told to dig deep into his pockets if he wants to sign Weigl.
“The German club desperately want to keep Weigl, 22, and when Manchester City come knocking on their door in the January window they’ll be quoted a £68m price tag.
“But that could be seen as money well spent by Guardiola as he scours the market for a long-term replacement for veteran Fernandinho, 33.
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“Guardiola is worried about a lack of cover in the Brazilian’s holding area and sees Weigl as the ideal successor to Fernandinho’s throne.
“Meanwhile, City are also being strongly linked with Real Betis defender Junior Firpo, another 22-year-old with a £54m release clause in his contract.
“Firpo signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal only last month but Guardiola has ordered his European scouts to send him updated dossiers,” Millar adds.
After a busy weekend of international football, the Manchester Evening News carries reassuring news about Bernardo Silva.
According to Liam Corless, “Bernardo confirmed his substitution in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Croatia was precautionary.
“The City midfielder was replaced at half-time during the friendly in the Algarve due to a groin complaint.
“However, he has now revealed he hasn’t sustained any serious damage, handing a boost to Pep Guardiola ahead of next weekend’s visit of Fulham to the Etihad.
“I came off at half time because I have been having a little discomfort in the groin area, and with Mr. Fernando Santos we thought it was better not to risk the second half,” Bernardo said.
“Bernardo has played in all of City’s fixtures so far this season and scored in their opening-day win over Arsenal at the Emirates.”
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Finally, The Guardian reports on the reaction to Manchester City’s encouraging 0-0 draw away at reigning champions Chelsea in the opening game of the new Womens’s Super League season.
It was an impressive result and display for City and left manager Nick Cushing as well as skipper Steph Houghton and colleague Jen Beattie in upbeat mood.
Cushing was quick to praise the pace of the game, saying:“Both teams and both sets of players were exceptional and the intensity they played at off the back of that [international break] is a credit to them.”
“For her part, captain Houghton believes the fact that City kept a clean sheet was crucial.
“For us to come here first game of the season, to not lose and not concede, we’ll be happy but at the same time we’ve got a lot to work o,” she said.
“ If you look at leagues over the last few years teams that have conceded the least have given themselves a fair shot of winning the title.
“City’s Jen Beattie was also pleased with the point away from home, saying: “We can’t be overly disappointed with that. We were hoping to win but it’s better than zero.”
