Tony Cascarino believes David Silva is in the same bracket as Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, as the Spaniard gets set to depart the Etihad after a glittering 10-year spell.
The 34-year-old playmaker will play his 309th and last Premier League match for Manchester City against Norwich on Sunday.
Silva will go down as one of the Premier League’s best-ever players
The four-time league winner will go down as one of English football’s all-time greats.
And on Weekend Sports Breakfast, Cascarino lauded the talents of Silva, who he says has had a pivotal influence on Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning development.
“He’s been extraordinary for City, a magician in midfield. They nickname him Merlin,” Cascarino said.
“He’s one of the reasons [Kevin] De Bruyne has got better and better. Training and playing alongside David Silva has made De Bruyne a better player.”
Cascarino believes Silva has made De Bruyne the player he is
Explaining the comparison to Scholes, Cascarino added: “His numbers are extraordinary. Just look at what he’s won in his career. Everything about David Silva is low key, yet his performances have been extraordinary.
“Everybody at Manchester United knew Paul Scholes was their best midfielder. And at City, I’m sure they’d say that without Silva they aren’t the same team.
“I feel the same about David Silva too. He’s Man City’s Paul Scholes, they both have different talents and play slightly different positions, but they make everything happen.
“He’s so comfortable on the ball like Scholes, and scored pivotal goals. I look at Silva and think he’s right up there with Paul Scholes for me right at the very top table.”
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