bluevengence
Well-Known Member
The new Ali B....OH YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
<a class="postlink" href="http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1285605_silva_will_give_city_euro_polish" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... uro_polish</a>
The football world is unanimous in the view that Manchester City will be better for the transfer of David Silva, but what exactly will the Blues be getting for their 33million euros?
Well, first and foremost, Roberto Mancini has acquired a player of immense technical ability, a young man extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, somebody who can open up a tight encounter against negative opposition and, equally, one who can deliver on the big occasion.
Regularly labelled as a winger, Silva’s style couldn’t be more different to what the English regard as an old-fashioned No11. He isn’t particularly fast and he isn’t liable to dribble past a full-back too often. Indeed, when looking at his size and ticking off the attributes that supposedly make a world-beater, you might be inclined to worry.
But reality isn’t a computer-simulation game. Cristiano Ronaldo has all the attributes to be the best player in the world, Leo Messi doesn’t.
Making the most of your ability invariably boils down to temperament and Silva’s temperament is outstanding. Once you understand what he can and cannot do, and tailored your expectations accordingly, you have every right to get excited.
And if we’re going to draw comparisons with past heroes - as we always do - the name of Ali Benarbia is one that immediately springs to mind.
Like the mercurial Algerian, Silva’s preferred currency is the pass and the balance of his account should be measured on assists.
Dubbed El Mago Itinerante (the wandering magician) by the local Spanish media, his gift for carving out gilt-edged opportunities is a special one. He might stray into anonymity at times but don’t be too disturbed by that, it’s invariably when he’s at his most deadly. His game is all about end-product, delivering that final killer ball.
Of course, the big question among City fans is how Silva will fit into the side, but it’s a puzzle we really shouldn’t be overly concerned about. He can adjust to whatever system you like, proving equally effective in any role behind the first line of attack.
For Spain, you will know him as a left-sided midfielder but that's only due to the intensity of the competition in central areas. At Valencia, he would also operate as an advanced central midfielder or even as a second striker whenever Unai Emery adopted a more cautious approach away from home.
Either way, it’s natural to assume he will strike up a lethal relationship with Carlos Tevez, similar to the one he has enjoyed with David Villa over the past two years. Besides sharing the obvious bond provided by a common language, not to mention a humble outlook on life, a playmaker of Silva’s calibre will no doubt thrive on the Argentine’s mobility in and around the box.
The reaction to his departure around these parts has been one of inevitable sadness.
They always knew they had a special talent on their hands and, unlike Villa, they nurtured him carefully through adolescence, watching him develop into a well-rounded adult.
However, it’s long been apparent they couldn’t keep him in the face of such crippling debt, so now they must hold back the lump in their throats and watch him fly the nest. At least this way, he won’t come back to haunt them next season.
<a class="postlink" href="http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1285605_silva_will_give_city_euro_polish" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... uro_polish</a>
The football world is unanimous in the view that Manchester City will be better for the transfer of David Silva, but what exactly will the Blues be getting for their 33million euros?
Well, first and foremost, Roberto Mancini has acquired a player of immense technical ability, a young man extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, somebody who can open up a tight encounter against negative opposition and, equally, one who can deliver on the big occasion.
Regularly labelled as a winger, Silva’s style couldn’t be more different to what the English regard as an old-fashioned No11. He isn’t particularly fast and he isn’t liable to dribble past a full-back too often. Indeed, when looking at his size and ticking off the attributes that supposedly make a world-beater, you might be inclined to worry.
But reality isn’t a computer-simulation game. Cristiano Ronaldo has all the attributes to be the best player in the world, Leo Messi doesn’t.
Making the most of your ability invariably boils down to temperament and Silva’s temperament is outstanding. Once you understand what he can and cannot do, and tailored your expectations accordingly, you have every right to get excited.
And if we’re going to draw comparisons with past heroes - as we always do - the name of Ali Benarbia is one that immediately springs to mind.
Like the mercurial Algerian, Silva’s preferred currency is the pass and the balance of his account should be measured on assists.
Dubbed El Mago Itinerante (the wandering magician) by the local Spanish media, his gift for carving out gilt-edged opportunities is a special one. He might stray into anonymity at times but don’t be too disturbed by that, it’s invariably when he’s at his most deadly. His game is all about end-product, delivering that final killer ball.
Of course, the big question among City fans is how Silva will fit into the side, but it’s a puzzle we really shouldn’t be overly concerned about. He can adjust to whatever system you like, proving equally effective in any role behind the first line of attack.
For Spain, you will know him as a left-sided midfielder but that's only due to the intensity of the competition in central areas. At Valencia, he would also operate as an advanced central midfielder or even as a second striker whenever Unai Emery adopted a more cautious approach away from home.
Either way, it’s natural to assume he will strike up a lethal relationship with Carlos Tevez, similar to the one he has enjoyed with David Villa over the past two years. Besides sharing the obvious bond provided by a common language, not to mention a humble outlook on life, a playmaker of Silva’s calibre will no doubt thrive on the Argentine’s mobility in and around the box.
The reaction to his departure around these parts has been one of inevitable sadness.
They always knew they had a special talent on their hands and, unlike Villa, they nurtured him carefully through adolescence, watching him develop into a well-rounded adult.
However, it’s long been apparent they couldn’t keep him in the face of such crippling debt, so now they must hold back the lump in their throats and watch him fly the nest. At least this way, he won’t come back to haunt them next season.