With the number of legendary players who have donned the Manchester City shirt over the years, it is difficult to ascertain which one of their stalwarts is the best of the best.
Kevin De Bruyne could be the go-to answer for many — who has arguably led the most successful period in the club’s history with his all-conquering displays from midfield.
For the majority of Pep Guardiola’s spell at City, it could be argued that the Belgian has been their ultimate X-factor and most consistent player.
Others could vouch for Sergio Aguero — who was a truly masterful centre-forward and remains Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer with 260 goals.
Aguero was arguably the best player in the Premier League during the previous decade as well — where City turned into a truly elite club.
The likes of David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany are all in the discussion as well.
Ultimately, several names to have played at the Etihad Stadium and before can be considered to be in contention.
Kevin De Bruyne names David Silva as greatest-ever Man City player
On the Official Man City Podcast, De Bruyne was asked which player he reckons is the greatest in the club’s history.
The £54.5 million man continues to play during City’s golden era and he has played with a majority of their best-ever players.
As a result, there are not many better candidates to answer such a question.
De Bruyne initially highlighted Colin Bell, stating: “It depends how you look at it, I guess. Unfortunately, I couldn’t even see the team in the 60s who did really well so I can’t speak about them. Obviously, like the Colin Bell Stand [at the Etihad Stadium], a lot of the older generation say he’s the best player.”
The City midfielder added: “But then, you have the second generation where they say Kun [Sergio Aguero] or David [Silva], or maybe myself or Vinny [Kompany], it’s a personal question.”
According to De Bruyne, Silva is the greatest player to have ever donned a Manchester City shirt.
“I think, if you think football-wise, I would say David is probably, the way that he plays football and understands football is probably the best for me because the way that he is, you can’t get the ball [off him], controller of the tempo, so [it] depends on how you look at it.”
“Maybe for Paul [Dickov], it’s Kun, he’s a striker, it’s different, you know but for me, it’s David.”
David Silva has a strong case to be named the best Man City player ever
It is a testament to how exceptional a player the Spaniard was that a legendary figure like De Bruyne continues to hold him in such high esteem.
However, Silva commands such respect — as his arrival changed the course of the club’s history as he instantly became one of their best players and arguably their standout performer during their first Premier League title win in 2012.
The retired midfielder helped City end their 35-year silverware drought by also playing a key role in their FA Cup triumph in 2011 while also helping them qualify for the Champions League in third place.
The World Cup winner went on to win plenty more trophies but his legacy at the club is not only defined by silverware.
Silva’s consistency, footballing brain, technical excellence and pure artistry with the ball at his feet were second to none — as he could run any game in the world from both the midfield and out wide.
The former Valencia technician also managed to remain an elite player under all of Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola — during some of the club’s most significant periods in their history.
