Greatness comes in many different forms. It can present itself in the highest achievement in, for example, the arts, the sciences and sport. Usually those that possess these rare qualities are born with these skills.
In my view David Silva is a true artist at work. Like Picasso he can make something out of nothing.
There is an extraordinary vision which presents as an unerring sixth sense as to where to best position himself, in relation to those around him.
There is the magical touch which transcends any that I have seen before. As Pellegrini said, he has never seen a better player of the final ball than Merlin.
There is the ability to retain the ball in the most difficult of circumstances. As Fred Eyre said during the Norwich commentary, Silva could find space in a single bed with Dawn French and Hattie Jacques. I well recall a moment in the 6-1 at the swamp. It was the first half and he was on the edge of their box. He wriggled, swerved and struggled through about 5 of them in a space of no more than about 5 square yards, and still came out with the ball. How he did that I will never know.
There is the toughness. This is a most underestimated quality that he possesses. He is small in stature but large in heart.
In addition he is modest to a fault. When he does eventually retire he will quietly return to Gran Canaria and resume his unassuming life. He is never one to seek the limelight. I notice this even on this Forum, where I have on occasion gone back 4 or 5 pages to find any comment on Merlin, whereas other players seem to occupy our minds constantly.
In the meantime we are privileged to witness every week an artist at work.
It is well nigh impossible to compare greatness in different generations. King Colin is the King for a reason. He was the greatest of his generation.
But if Colin is the King then David Silva is entitled to sit beside the throne in a place of honour.
