David Silva: Difference between revisions
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A [[Spain national football team|Spanish international]] since the age of 20, he was an integral member of the squads that won three consecutive international tournaments — [[UEFA Euro 2008]], [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], and [[UEFA Euro 2012]]. |
A [[Spain national football team|Spanish international]] since the age of 20, he was an integral member of the squads that won three consecutive international tournaments — [[UEFA Euro 2008]], [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], and [[UEFA Euro 2012]]. |
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Silva spent six years of his professional career with [[Valencia CF]], appearing in more than 150 games and winning one [[Copa del Rey]] in [[2007–08 Copa del Rey|2008]], before moving in the summer of 2010 to Manchester City. His passing ability and possession-retaining qualities have earned him the nicknames "[[Merlin]]" and "El Mago" from his teammates and fans.<ref>{{Cite news |title=David Silva, or is it Merlin? |url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/news/team-news/2011/august/david-silva-magic-intro |work=Manchester City F.C. |date=2 August 2011 |accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Happy Birthday Merlin! |url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2013/January/Silva-birthday|publisher= |
Silva spent six years of his professional career with [[Valencia CF]], appearing in more than 150 games and winning one [[Copa del Rey]] in [[2007–08 Copa del Rey|2008]], before moving in the summer of 2010 to Manchester City. His passing ability and possession-retaining qualities have earned him the nicknames "[[Merlin]]" and "El Mago" from his teammates and fans.<ref>{{Cite news |title=David Silva, or is it Merlin? |url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/news/team-news/2011/august/david-silva-magic-intro |work=Manchester City F.C. |date=2 August 2011 |accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Happy Birthday Merlin! |url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2013/January/Silva-birthday|publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=8 January 2013| accessdate=9 January 2013}}</ref> Since joining City, Silva has appeared in over 150 games in three seasons, winning the [[FA Cup]], [[Football League Cup]] and two [[List of English football champions|Premier League]] titles. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Like the previous season season, On 17 August 2014, Silva scored Manchester City's opening goal of the [[2014–15 Premier League]] season in a 2–0 away win against Newcastle United. Silva then scored against [[West Bromwich Albion]] on the Boxing Day.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2887475/West-Brom-1-3-Manchester-City-Fernando-Yaya-Toure-David-Silva-strike-comfortable-victory-Baggies.html|title = West Brom 1-3 Manchester City: Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva strike in comfortable victory over Baggies|date = 26 December 2014|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = Daily Mail|publisher = |last = Whitwell|first = Laurie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11313830/West-Bromwich-Albion-1-Manchester-City-3-match-report-David-Silva-sparkles-as-champions-shrug-off-snow-storm.html|title = West Bromwich Albion 1 Manchester City 3, match report: David Silva sparkles as champions shrug off snow storm|date = 26 December 2014|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Telegraph|publisher = |last = Liew|first = Jonathan}}</ref> |
Like the previous season season, On 17 August 2014, Silva scored Manchester City's opening goal of the [[2014–15 Premier League]] season in a 2–0 away win against Newcastle United. Silva then scored against [[West Bromwich Albion]] on the Boxing Day.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2887475/West-Brom-1-3-Manchester-City-Fernando-Yaya-Toure-David-Silva-strike-comfortable-victory-Baggies.html|title = West Brom 1-3 Manchester City: Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva strike in comfortable victory over Baggies|date = 26 December 2014|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = Daily Mail|publisher = |last = Whitwell|first = Laurie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11313830/West-Bromwich-Albion-1-Manchester-City-3-match-report-David-Silva-sparkles-as-champions-shrug-off-snow-storm.html|title = West Bromwich Albion 1 Manchester City 3, match report: David Silva sparkles as champions shrug off snow storm|date = 26 December 2014|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Telegraph|publisher = |last = Liew|first = Jonathan}}</ref> |
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On 21 February 2015, Silva scored a brace against Newcastle United in a 5-0 win.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-vs-newcastle-united-match-report-david-silva-shines-as-champions-stroll-to-comfortable-win-over-poor-magpies-10061804.html|title = Manchester City vs Newcastle United match report: David Silva shines as champions stroll to comfortable win over poor Magpies|date = 21 February 2015|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Independent|publisher = |last = Walker|first = Michael}}</ref> On 4 March 2015 Silva scored in 1-0 win against Leicester City.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/04/manchester-city-leicester-city-premier-league-match-report|title = Manchester City’s David Silva pieces together victory over Leicester|date = 4 March 2015|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Guardian|publisher = |last = Taylor|first = Daniel}}</ref> [[Jamie Redknapp]] labelled him a 'maestro' for his performances for City.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/9726494/jamie-redknapp-labels-david-silva-a-maestro-after-manchester-citys-win-over-newcastle|title = Jamie Redknapp labels David Silva a maestro after another sparkling performance from the Spanish playmaker|first = Jamie|date = 22 February 2015|work = Sky Sports|access-date = 8 March 2015|last = Redknapp}}</ref> While his teammate [[Edin Dzeko]] called him “the best player in the [[Premier League]].”<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-city/story/2311125/manchester-citys-edin-dzeko-david-silva-best-player-in-the-premier-league|title = Manchester City's Edin Dzeko: David Silva best player in Premier League|last = Palmer|first = Kevin|date = 21 February 2015|work = ESPN FC|access-date = 8 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-silva-premier-leagues-golden-boy-says-dzeko-212319768--sow.html|title = Football - Silva is Premier League's golden boy, says Dzeko|date = 21 February 2015|work = Eurosport UK|access-date = 8 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.financialexpress.com/article/sports/manchester-citys-david-silva-is-premier-leagues-golden-boy-says-edin-dzeko/45918/|title = Manchester City’s David Silva is Premier League’s golden boy, says Edin Dzeko|date = 22 February 2015|accessdate = 8 March 2015|website = Financial Express|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> |
On 21 February 2015, Silva scored a brace against Newcastle United in a 5-0 win.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-vs-newcastle-united-match-report-david-silva-shines-as-champions-stroll-to-comfortable-win-over-poor-magpies-10061804.html|title = Manchester City vs Newcastle United match report: David Silva shines as champions stroll to comfortable win over poor Magpies|date = 21 February 2015|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Independent|publisher = |last = Walker|first = Michael}}</ref> Silva won the ''Etihad Player of the Month'' award for his performances in February.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mcfc.co.uk/news/team-news/2015/march/silva-voted-player-of-the-month|title = Silva voted Etihad Player of the Month|date = 10 March 2015|accessdate = 11 March 2015|website = Manchester City F.C.|publisher = |last = Clayton|first = David}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.marca.com/en/2015/03/10/en/football/international_football/1426018474.html|title = Silva, Mr February|date = 10 March 2015|accessdate = 11 March 2015|website = Marca|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> |
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On 4 March 2015 Silva scored in 1-0 win against Leicester City.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/04/manchester-city-leicester-city-premier-league-match-report|title = Manchester City’s David Silva pieces together victory over Leicester|date = 4 March 2015|accessdate = 7 March 2015|website = The Guardian|publisher = |last = Taylor|first = Daniel}}</ref> [[Jamie Redknapp]] labelled him a 'maestro' for his performances for City.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/9726494/jamie-redknapp-labels-david-silva-a-maestro-after-manchester-citys-win-over-newcastle|title = Jamie Redknapp labels David Silva a maestro after another sparkling performance from the Spanish playmaker|first = Jamie|date = 22 February 2015|work = Sky Sports|access-date = 8 March 2015|last = Redknapp}}</ref> While his teammate [[Edin Dzeko]] called him “the best player in the [[Premier League]].”<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-city/story/2311125/manchester-citys-edin-dzeko-david-silva-best-player-in-the-premier-league|title = Manchester City's Edin Dzeko: David Silva best player in Premier League|last = Palmer|first = Kevin|date = 21 February 2015|work = ESPN FC|access-date = 8 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-silva-premier-leagues-golden-boy-says-dzeko-212319768--sow.html|title = Football - Silva is Premier League's golden boy, says Dzeko|date = 21 February 2015|work = Eurosport UK|access-date = 8 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.financialexpress.com/article/sports/manchester-citys-david-silva-is-premier-leagues-golden-boy-says-edin-dzeko/45918/|title = Manchester City’s David Silva is Premier League’s golden boy, says Edin Dzeko|date = 22 February 2015|accessdate = 8 March 2015|website = Financial Express|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> |
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==International career== |
==International career== |
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*[[UEFA European Football Championship Teams of the Tournament|UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament]]: [[UEFA Euro 2012#Awards|2012]] |
*[[UEFA European Football Championship Teams of the Tournament|UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament]]: [[UEFA Euro 2012#Awards|2012]] |
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*[[2011–12 Manchester City F.C. season#Etihad Player of the Year awards|Etihad Players' Player of the Year]]: 2011–12 |
*[[2011–12 Manchester City F.C. season#Etihad Player of the Year awards|Etihad Players' Player of the Year]]: 2011–12 |
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*Etihad Player of the Month: October/November/December 2010, September 2011, March/December 2014 |
*Etihad Player of the Month: October/November/December 2010, September 2011, March/December 2014, February 2015 |
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===Decorations=== |
===Decorations=== |
Revision as of 15:26, 11 March 2015
Silva with Spain during UEFA Euro 2012 | |||
Personal information | |||
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Full name | David Josué Jiménez Silva[1] | ||
Date of birth | 8 January 1986 | ||
Place of birth | Arguineguín, Spain | ||
Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Attacking midfielder / Winger | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Manchester City | ||
Number | 21 | ||
Youth career | |||
1995–2000 | UD San Fernando | ||
2000–2003 | Valencia | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2003–2004 | Valencia B | 14 | (1) |
2004–2010 | Valencia | 119 | (21) |
2004–2005 | → Eibar (loan) | 35 | (4) |
2005–2006 | → Celta (loan) | 34 | (2) |
2010– | Manchester City | 152 | (31) |
International career‡ | |||
2001–2002 | Spain U16 | 6 | (2) |
2002–2003 | Spain U17 | 20 | (5) |
2004–2005 | Spain U19 | 14 | (5) |
2005 | Spain U20 | 5 | (4) |
2004–2006 | Spain U21 | 9 | (7) |
2006– | Spain | 87 | (22) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:25, 4 March 2015 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 October 2014 |
David Josué Jiménez Silva (Spanish pronunciation: [daˈβið ˈsilβa]; born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for English club Manchester City and the Spanish national team. Silva plays mainly as an attacking midfielder but can also play as a winger or second striker. He is predominantly a left-footed player.[3]
A Spanish international since the age of 20, he was an integral member of the squads that won three consecutive international tournaments — UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012.
Silva spent six years of his professional career with Valencia CF, appearing in more than 150 games and winning one Copa del Rey in 2008, before moving in the summer of 2010 to Manchester City. His passing ability and possession-retaining qualities have earned him the nicknames "Merlin" and "El Mago" from his teammates and fans.[4][5] Since joining City, Silva has appeared in over 150 games in three seasons, winning the FA Cup, Football League Cup and two Premier League titles.
Early life
Silva was born in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, to Fernando Jiménez, a former municipal police officer who eventually was responsible for the safety of the Valencia CF stadium, and Eva Silva. His father, Fernando, is Spanish (Canarian) while his mother, Eva, is of Japanese descent, claimed by the Canarian media.[6][7] Silva has two younger siblings, sister Natalia and brother Nando[citation needed]. Silva's cousin Cynthia died of Cancer aged 5, he bears a tattoo of her name on his left wrist and kisses it whenever he scores a goal in remembrance of her. He is commonly called by the nickname Chino (Spanish for "Chinese") due to his physical appearance.
Silva began playing football in the youth team of UD San Fernando, near Maspalomas. Originally, he played as a goalkeeper, before becoming a winger[8] and mirrored his game around his footballing idol as a youth, Michael Laudrup.[8] When he was 14, he received an offer to become a youth player at Valencia CF, which he accepted. He stayed in Valencia's youth set-up until he was 17.
Club career
Valencia
A product of Valencia CF's youth system, Silva made his professional debut in 2004–05, with Segunda División's SD Eibar, while on loan from Valencia, playing 35 league games and scoring on five occasions. In the following season, he was again out on loan, this time to Celta de Vigo, where he played 34 matches, scoring four goals. After two late substitute appearances, the first in a 2–0 home win over Málaga CF on 28 August 2005, Silva finished as an undisputed starter as the Galician side reached the UEFA Cup straight from the second-tier.
Silva returned to Valencia in the summer of 2006, becoming an automatic first-choice despite his young age (20). In two seasons combined, he only missed six matches and netted 14 goals (his first league goal coming on 5 November 2006 in a 1–1 draw at RCD Espanyol). In August 2008, he extended his contract by five years, amidst interest of several Premier League teams.[9] He won the Copa del Rey 2008, his first title in Spain.
After not appearing in the first three months of 2008–09 due to a chronic ankle ailment,[10] Silva returned to the call-ups in mid-December. On 3 January 2009, he scored twice in a 3–1 home win over Atlético Madrid,[11] still contributing with 19 matches (four goals) as the Che qualified for the Europa League.
In the 2009–10 season, Silva scored a career-best eight goals, as Valencia finished in third position and returned to the UEFA Champions League. On 15 April 2010, he scored a brace against Athletic Bilbao for a 2–0 home win,[12] adding three assists in the 4–4 thriller at Werder Bremen for the Europa League's round of 16.[13]
Manchester City
2010–11
On 30 June 2010, Manchester City announced that they had reached an agreement with Valencia over the transfer of Silva and that he would join the club on a four-year deal, prior to the start of the 2010–11 season.[14] On 14 July, the Premier League side completed the signing[15] and Silva was awarded the number 21 shirt, the same number he wore for Valencia and when playing for Spain. Manchester City had previously tried to sign Silva and his Valencia team-mate David Villa in 2008, but were put off when Valencia quoted a £135 million combined price tag on both players.[16]
City manager Roberto Mancini mainly deployed Silva as a winger[17] and later in a trequartista role in his first season.[18] Silva made his Premier League debut on 14 August 2010 in a 0–0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.[19] He scored his first goal for the club on 16 September, eight minutes into the Europa League group match against Red Bull Salzburg.[20] On 17 October, he scored his first league goal in a game against Blackpool, netting City's third goal in a 3–2 away win.[21] In a 3–1 home win in the Europa League against Lech Poznań, he set up two goals for Emmanuel Adebayor.[22] He made another assist slipping through Adam Johnson for Manchester City's third in a 3–1 away win against West Ham United.[23] Erroneous media reports emerged suggesting Silva could return to Spain and cited homesickness and difficulty to adapt to the English game.[24] His performances, however, impressed City supporters and earned him three consecutive Manchester City Player of the Month awards from October to December 2010.[25]
On 12 February 2011, he was credited for the equalising goal in the 2–1 loss to rivals Manchester United when an Edin Džeko shot deflected off his back and into the net. On 2 March, he scored from twenty yards out in an FA Cup win (3–0) against Aston Villa. Three days later, he scored the only goal in Manchester City's win against Wigan Athletic. Silva netted the third goal in City's 5–0 rout of Sunderland on 3 April. His assist to Yaya Touré against Everton at Goodison Park took Silva to 15 assists in all competitions for the season.[26]
Following his debut season in the Premier League, Silva has emerged as one of the league's finest playmakers. Carlos Tevez lauded him as "the best signing we (Manchester City) have made."[27]
2011–12
Silva began the 2011–12 season in fine form, scoring the third goal in City's 4–0 thrashing of Swansea City[28] and was voted man of the match. He also scored the following week against Bolton Wanderers, and was again named man of the match.[29] Silva then set up two of Sergio Agüero's three goals in City's second home game against Wigan Athletic. After a series of magnificent displays from Silva, City boss Roberto Mancini compared him to fellow Spain internationals Xavi and Andrés Iniesta and said that Silva is "one of the best players in the world".[30] On 1 October, Silva was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for his outstanding performances, making it the first time ever that two Manchester City players have won the award in back to back months with Edin Džeko winning it the month before.
In the first Manchester Derby of the season at Old Trafford, Manchester City won 6–1, with Silva proving, yet again, to be instrumental in the Manchester City attack, scoring the fifth goal, setting up Edin Džeko's second with a chested volley pass through the United defense, and participating in the first two goals with excellent passing to James Milner to assist Mario Balotelli.[31] On 25 October 2011, in an interview with a Spanish radio station, Silva revealed that he turned down FC Barcelona and Real Madrid so he could sign for City and that he wants to stay at the club for years. He commented, "Madrid and Barcelona are great teams, but I'm happy here and I would like to stay here for many years."[32] Former City and England defender Earl Barrett said he is almost impossible to stop due to his ability to create space[33] and Andy Cole, who mostly played for Manchester United, has stated that Silva "is a joy to watch."[34]
Silva scored a goal in City's 3–2 away win against Queens Park Rangers on 5 November[35] and also scored in City's 1–0 home win against Arsenal on 18 December.[36] He also contributed by scoring the fourth goal in City's 4–0 home win against West Brom on 11 April.[37]
In addition to winning his first Premier League medal with Manchester City, he also finished the season as top of the assists table with 17 assists to his name[38] and was one of four City players who made it in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year.[39]
2012–13
“He is the maestro, he knows where the passes are going to go. He runs the game. A joy to watch."
On 17 September 2012, Silva signed a new five-year deal at City, committing himself to the Etihad Stadium until 2017.[40]
He injured himself playing for Spain, which meant he had to miss four games for Manchester City. On 11 November, he provided the crucial assist, a lofted through-ball, to striker Edin Džeko, who converted in the 88th minute to steal a 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. His first league goal of the season came in a 5–0 thrashing of Aston Villa at home in the very next league match, on 17 November. On 19 January 2013, Silva scored a brace against Fulham at home in a 2–0 win. On 9 March, he scored the fifth and final goal in Manchester City's win (5–0) against Barnsley at the City of Manchester Stadium in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, sealing progression to the semi-finals. He finished the season with four goals and ten assists in 32 league appearances for a City squad that finished runners-up to city rivals Manchester United for the Premier League title.
2013–14
On 19 August 2013, Silva scored Manchester City's opening goal of the 2013–14 Premier League season in a 4–0 win against Newcastle United at the City of Manchester Stadium.[41]
On 10 December 2013, he scored his first Champions League goal of the season in a 3–2 win at champions FC Bayern Munich.[42]
He was named Manchester City's player of the month for March 2014, after scoring in away matches against Hull City and Arsenal.[43]
2014–15
“For me he is the best player in the Premier League, To have him here with us is amazing. With David, you can always score goals."
On 12 August 2014, David Silva has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City.[44] Silva played in 2014 FA Community Shield, a match City lost 3-0 to Arsenal.[45][46]
Like the previous season season, On 17 August 2014, Silva scored Manchester City's opening goal of the 2014–15 Premier League season in a 2–0 away win against Newcastle United. Silva then scored against West Bromwich Albion on the Boxing Day.[47][48]
On 21 February 2015, Silva scored a brace against Newcastle United in a 5-0 win.[49] Silva won the Etihad Player of the Month award for his performances in February.[50][51]
On 4 March 2015 Silva scored in 1-0 win against Leicester City.[52] Jamie Redknapp labelled him a 'maestro' for his performances for City.[53] While his teammate Edin Dzeko called him “the best player in the Premier League.”[54][55][56]
International career
Silva first represented Spain in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland, scoring three goals. In 2006, he became an under-21 international and scored four goals during the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship; this was enough to earn him joint-fourth place in the goal ranking, alongside Italian striker Graziano Pellè.
Silva made his senior international debut in the 1–0 friendly home defeat to Romania on 15 November 2006, and continued to receive call-ups to the side after good contributions in his first games. On 22 August 2007, he scored his first two goals for Spain, netting twice in a 3–2 friendly win versus Greece, and was then called up to the squad of 23 for UEFA Euro 2008.
In the semi-finals game versus Russia, Silva scored the third goal for Spain after a quick counter-attack in which Cesc Fàbregas delivered a low cross, and he sent the ball into Igor Akinfeev's goal with his left foot.[57] In the final, he was involved in an incident with Germany's Lukas Podolski. After he pulled Podolski to the ground, the German approached Silva, which resulted in an angry exchange of words and a coming together of heads that the referee decided not to punish. Shortly afterward, Spanish coach Luis Aragonés substituted Silva for Santi Cazorla in an attempt to calm the tensions.[58]
After appearing regularly during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – Spain won all ten fixtures – Silva was also picked for the squad for the finals in South Africa. His participation was, however, a small one, as the national team won the tournament: he started in the first match, a 0–1 group stage defeat against Switzerland, then played the last four minutes of the 1–0 win against Germany in the semi-finals.
On 11 August 2010, during an international friendly with Mexico, Silva scored two minutes into second-half injury time, ending the game with a 1–1 draw.[59] In a Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein on 3 September 2010, Silva scored after 62 minutes, in a 4–0 away win.[60] The following month, in the same competition, he scored through a rare header, as the national team downed Lithuania in Salamanca (3–1).
In a friendly against Colombia on 9 February 2011, he came off the bench to score the game's only goal with just four minutes remaining, helping Spain to a hard-fought 1–0 win.[61] He scored twice and provided one assist in Spain's 3–1 victory against Scotland in their final match of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. The win saw the Spaniards enter the tournament with a perfect qualifying record by winning all their group games.[62] He scored the first goal in Spain's 2–2 comeback against Costa Rica, a friendly match where he came on as a substitute in the second half with Spain trailing 2–0.[63] He once again scored in a friendly against Venezuela to make the score 2–0 in a match that ended in a 5–0 win. Heading into Euro 2012, he scored in their pre-tournament friendly against China by finishing off a short give and go from Andres Iniesta in the 84th minute.
Silva was a starter in all six matches of Spain's Euro 2012 campaign. In the 14th minute of the Euro 2012 Final, he headed home a Cesc Fàbregas cross, giving Spain a 1–0 lead.[64] The match ended 4–0 and concluded the tournament in which Silva scored two goals and made three assists, the best efficiency (goals and assists) of any player at the Euros.[65] He was subsequently named in UEFA's Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament for his performances.[66]
Silva was named in Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad list for Spain's contestation of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, held in Brazil. On 20 June 2013, Silva scored two goals in Spain's 10–0 demolition of Tahiti.[67]
Style of Play
Possessing a left foot that has been described as a 'wand' to unlock defences with his superb touch and technical ability which allows the diminutive Spaniard to squeeze into the tightest of spaces to pick a killer pass, he is among the finest playmakers in the world. With great composure on the ball and obtaining an innate sense of when to play the ball (often dangerous through balls) Silva is a master at retaining possession and creating space for himself and teammates to open up a defence. A superb dribbler, Silva's combination of astute, penetrative passing, elusive dribbling and generally clinical finishing makes him a dangerous option as a number 10, winger or second striker.
International goals
Career statistics
Club
- As of 21 February 2015.[68]
Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Total | ||||
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Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Eibar | |||||||||
2004–05 | 35 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 35 | 4 | |
Total | 35 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 35 | 4 | |
Celta | |||||||||
2005–06 | 34 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 34 | 4 | |
Total | 34 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 34 | 4 | |
Valencia | |||||||||
2006–07 | 36 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 49 | 8 | |
2007–08 | 34 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 45 | 6 | |
2008–09 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 25 | 5 | |
2009–10 | 30 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 36 | 10 | |
Total | 119 | 21 | 10 | 2 | 26 | 6 | 155 | 29 | |
Manchester City | |||||||||
2010–11 | 35 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 53 | 6 | |
2011–12 | 36 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 49 | 8 | |
2012–13 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 44 | 5 | |
2013–14 | 27 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 39 | 8 | |
2014–15 | 20 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 28 | 10 | |
Total | 152 | 29 | 26 | 2 | 33 | 4 | 207 | 38 | |
Career total | 340 | 58 | 36 | 4 | 58 | 10 | 432 | 75 |
International
- As of 12 October 2014
Spain national team | ||
---|---|---|
Year | Apps | Goals |
2006 | 1 | 0 |
2007 | 10 | 2 |
2008 | 9 | 1 |
2009 | 12 | 3 |
2010 | 12 | 4 |
2011 | 10 | 4 |
2012 | 15 | 4 |
2013 | 8 | 2 |
2014 | 10 | 2 |
Total | 87 | 22 |
Honours
Club
- Valencia
- Manchester City
- Premier League: 2011–12, 2013–14
- FA Cup: 2010–11
- Football League Cup: 2013–14
- FA Community Shield: 2012
National
- Spain
- FIFA World Cup: 2010
- UEFA European Football Championship: 2008, 2012
- FIFA Confederations Cup Third Place: 2009; Runner up: 2013
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2004
- FIFA U-17 World Championship Runner-up: 2003
Individual
- Pedro Zaballa Award: 2005
- Premier League Player of the Month: September 2011
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2011–12
- UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2012
- Etihad Players' Player of the Year: 2011–12
- Etihad Player of the Month: October/November/December 2010, September 2011, March/December 2014, February 2015
Decorations
- Medalla de Oro de Canarias: 2010[69]
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011[70]
References
- ^ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. 4 September 2013. p. 8. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
- ^ "Player Profile: David Silva". Premier League. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ Cox, Michael (22 August 2013). How Pellegrini will seek to get the best out of City's wide men. Four Four Two. Retrieved on 24 December 2014.
- ^ "David Silva, or is it Merlin?". Manchester City F.C. 2 August 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
- ^ "Happy Birthday Merlin!". Manchester City F.C. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
- ^ "David Silva, el nieto de ´la tirajanera´".
- ^ "Manchester City new boy David Silva: The Prada-wearing Japanese machete fighter who started life in goal..." Daily Mail. London. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
- ^ a b Kay, Alex (20 October 2011). "David Silva: From a childhood in a Spanish fishing village to Premier League superstar..." Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
- ^ Silva opts to stay with Valencia; BBC Sport, 13 August 2008
- ^ Silva resigned to three-month absence; UEFA.com, 12 September 2008
- ^ Barça stride on, Silva inspires Valencia; UEFA.com, 3 January 2009
- ^ La Champions es más fácil con Silva (Champions League is easier with Silva); Diario Marca, 15 April 2010 Template:Es icon
- ^ Villa revels in Valencia's 'crazy' night; UEFA.com, 18 March 2010
- ^ City clinch Silva deal; Sky Sports, 30 June 2010
- ^ "New City boy Silva targets Champions League". ESPN. 14 July 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
- ^ Taylor, Daniel (14 August 2010). "David Silva the little man thinks big at Manchester City". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
- ^ Steinberg, Jacob (26 August 2011). "Pat Nevin: 'Why can't England produce a Messi or a Zidane?'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Mancini tips fantastic Silva to fulfill Trequartista role". 8 April 2011.
- ^ "Tottenham Hotspur 0–0 Manchester City". ESPNsoccernet. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Red Bull Salzburg 0–2 Man City; BBC Sport, 16 September 2010
- ^ "Blackpool 2–3 Man City". BBC Sport. 17 October 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
- ^ "Football so easy for Silva, says Mancini". Manchester Evening News. 22 October 2010.
- ^ "City at West Ham match report". MCFC Official Website. 11 December 2010.
- ^ Kay, Alex (19 February 2011). "Manchester City face fight to keep hold of homesick Silva as Atletico Madrid prepare summer move". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
- ^ "Silva streak as David completes hat-trick". MCFC Official Website. 7 January 2011.
- ^ "Everton 2 Man City 1: No Gold for Silva".
- ^ "Carlos Tevez: David Silva is Manchester City's best signing". ESPN Soccernet. 9 February 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ Taylor, Daniel (15 August 2011). "Manchester City 4–0 Swansea City – Premier League match report". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Winter, Henry (21 August 2011). "Bolton Wanderers 2 Manchester City 3: match report". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ Brennan, Stuart (12 September 2011). "David Silva can rival Barcelona star as best in world". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Triple Dutch". ESPN. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
- ^ "David Silva confirms Barcelona and Real Madrid rejections". ESPN. October 2011.
- ^ "David Silva is just pure gold". Manchester Evening News. 26 October 2011.
- ^ "City's David Silva shaping up among world's best midfielders". thenational.ae. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
- ^ Phil Dawkes (5 November 2011). "QPR 2–3 Man City". BBC Sport.
- ^ Alistair Magowan (18 December 2011). "Man City 1–0 Arsenal". BBC Sport.
- ^ Dawkes, Phil (11 April 2012). "Man City 4–0 West Brom". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Barclays Premier League Top Scorers". ESPN Soccernet. ESPN. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
- ^ O'Rourke, Pete (22 April 2012). "City quarter in PFA team". Sky Sports. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- ^ "Silva signs new Man City deal". ESPNFC. 17 September 2012.
- ^ Winter, Henry (19 August 2013). "Manchester City 4 Newcastle United 0: match report". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- ^ "Silva lining". BSkyB. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ "David Silva has been voted the Etihad Player of the Month for March". Manchester City F.C. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ "David Silva signs five year deal at City". Manchester City F.C. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
- ^ Stonehouse, Gary (10 August 2014). "Arsenal hit three past Man City to lift Community Shield". The FA. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Sanghera, Mandeep (10 August 2014). "Arsenal sent out a statement of intent for the season as they impressively dismissed Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Whitwell, Laurie (26 December 2014). "West Brom 1-3 Manchester City: Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva strike in comfortable victory over Baggies". Daily Mail. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Liew, Jonathan (26 December 2014). "West Bromwich Albion 1 Manchester City 3, match report: David Silva sparkles as champions shrug off snow storm". The Telegraph. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Walker, Michael (21 February 2015). "Manchester City vs Newcastle United match report: David Silva shines as champions stroll to comfortable win over poor Magpies". The Independent. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Clayton, David (10 March 2015). "Silva voted Etihad Player of the Month". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ "Silva, Mr February". Marca. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ Taylor, Daniel (4 March 2015). "Manchester City's David Silva pieces together victory over Leicester". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
- ^ Redknapp, Jamie (22 February 2015). "Jamie Redknapp labels David Silva a maestro after another sparkling performance from the Spanish playmaker". Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ Palmer, Kevin (21 February 2015). "Manchester City's Edin Dzeko: David Silva best player in Premier League". ESPN FC. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "Football - Silva is Premier League's golden boy, says Dzeko". Eurosport UK. 21 February 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "Manchester City's David Silva is Premier League's golden boy, says Edin Dzeko". Financial Express. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ Clinical Spain set up Germany final date
- ^ McNulty, Phil (29 June 2008). "Germany 0–1 Spain". BBC News. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Silva salvages draw for Spain". ESPNsoccernet. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Torres grabs brace for Spain; ESPNsoccernet, 3 September 2010
- ^ "Spain 1–0 Colombia: Substitute David Silva grabs late winner to save lacklustre world champions". 9 February 2011.
- ^ Jardine, Peter (11 October 2011). "Spain 3 Scotland 1: Levein's dream dies in six minutes as Silva stars in Spanish win". Daily Mail. London.
- ^ "Costa Rica 2–2 Spain: Silva & Villa save world champions after Arsenal's Joel Campbell looked to have secured victory". 15 November 2011.
- ^ "Spain claim historic win". ESPN. 1 July 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ "Stats & Records". 2 July 2012.
- ^ "UEFA EURO 2012 Team of the Tournament". UEFA. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- ^ "Torres' 4 goals inspire Spanish rout". ESPN Soccernet. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
- ^ "David Silva Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Las universidades canarias, Tadeo, Pedro y Silva, Medallas de Oro de Canarias (Spanish)". ABC España. 24 May 2011.
- ^ "Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011".
External links
- Official website
- Elitefootball profile
- BDFutbol profile
- National team data
- Premier League profile
- David Silva at Soccerbase
- David Silva at National-Football-Teams.com
- David Silva – FIFA competition record (archived)
- ESPN stats
- Silva at Goal.com
- 1986 births
- Living people
- People from Mogán, Las Palmas
- Spanish footballers
- Canarian footballers
- Association football midfielders
- La Liga players
- Segunda División players
- Segunda División B players
- Valencia CF Mestalla footballers
- Valencia CF players
- SD Eibar footballers
- Celta de Vigo players
- Premier League players
- Manchester City F.C. players
- Spain youth international footballers
- Spain under-21 international footballers
- Spain international footballers
- UEFA Euro 2008 players
- 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup players
- 2010 FIFA World Cup players
- UEFA Euro 2012 players
- UEFA European Championship-winning players
- FIFA World Cup-winning players
- Spanish expatriate footballers
- Spanish people of Japanese descent
- Expatriate footballers in England
- 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players
- 2014 FIFA World Cup players
- Spanish expatriate sportspeople in the United Kingdom
- Spanish expatriates in England