Mikel Arteta has said that David Silva is one of the best players he has ever seen.
On GOAL’s Front Three’s YouTube channel, the Arsenal boss was playing a classic game of Football Tic-Tac-Toe when he picked Silva when naming a Spanish player who has played for Manchester City.
The retired legend commands respect, with Oleksandr Zinchenko revealing in August that he is the best player he has ever played with.
Mikel Arteta says David Silva is one of the best players he has ever seen
Even Pablo Zabaleta said that the World Cup winner was right “up there” alongside Lionel Messi as one of the best three players he has ever played with in his career.
Retiring from football in July this year after suffering a knee injury, the 37-year-old’s legacy has been cemented as a true great of the game.
Mikel Arteta showered Manchester City legend David Silva with praise while playing a game of Football Tic-Tac-Toe with GOAL’s Front Three.
“Okay, I’m going to go Spanish and Manchester City, one of my favourite-ever players, David Silva.”
When quizzed about whether he ever played against his fellow countryman, Arteta replied, “Unfortunately, yes. And then I coached him when I was at City for three years and [he was] an extraordinary player. One of the best I have ever seen.”
The Spaniard is arguably Manchester City’s most important player in their history
It is not a surprise to see Mikel Arteta still be in awe of David Silva, who was well and truly a genius at his best.
While many would argue that he is Manchester City’s greatest-ever player, a case could be made that also remains the club’s most important player.
The Spaniard joined City off the back of them finishing in fifth place in the Premier League table.
David Silva laid the platform for his teammates to create highlight reels for the ages as they went on to dominate English football, while he quietly controlled games at a nigh-on unprecedented standard.
Be it under Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini or Pep Guardiola, the midfield maestro was elite and a constant in the club’s much-documented success.
