Manchester City Opinion: Two David Silva replacements City must target?
Manchester City star David Silva has confirmed he’ll leave the club at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Spaniard, 33, joined Manchester City from Valencia in 2010 and has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup four times at the Etihad Stadium, while, on the international stage, he has won the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros in 2008 and 2012.
David Silva has become one of the greatest players to ever pull on a sky-blue shirt, playing a crucial role in City’s domestic treble last season under Pep Guardiola. He has been the archetypal player for Guardiola, demonstrating his impeccable consistency over the years in the Premier League.
The Spanish international already proved his worth to City a long time ago. Yet, losing him would be a big blow and something Guardiola already knows. It’s time for the City manager to replace the 33-year-old playmaker this summer itself, as Silva at 33, lacks the energy to play in the Premier League week in and week out.
That being said, here are two replacements for Silva that Manchester City should target.
1. Isco (Real Madrid)
The first name that comes to mind is Real Madrid star, Isco.
Isco, 27, found the net just three times in a mere 11 La Liga starts last season, as Real Madrid endured a poor 2018/19. Despite Zinedine Zidane being an admirer of the Spaniard, the Los Blancos are ready to listen to offers for the playmaker this summer.
That must give City a chance to lure Isco away from Madrid to the Etihad. A technically gifted and tactically versatile player, Isco can play in different positions across the midfield and attack. The Spanish international is an extremely creative player, capable of finding pockets of spaces in the final third and influencing the play with his incisive passing and vision.
One of the best creative midfielders in the world and someone who has won multiple Champions Leagues and international tournaments, Isco would be the safest bet to replace his compatriot, Silva. Interestingly, Guardiola is also interested in the 27-year-old.
2. Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
Pep Guardiola will certainly be aware of Thiago Alcantara’s unbelievable quality as a midfielder, having managed him at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Thiago, 28, hasn’t been able to reach his true potential due to recurrent injury problems over the last few years. A serial winner with Bayern, the Spaniard would certainly not reject an opportunity to work under Guardiola if the opportunity arises.
A fantastic passer of the ball, the 28-year-old is a skilful and intelligent shooter who could beat his opponent from a distance. He is also a versatile player, who can play in different positions and create opportunities for his teammates.
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All in all, Thiago is at his peak levels of sharpness and could help City in increasing their attacking prowess. Linked with a move in March, it’s the right time for Guardiola to reignite his interest in the Spaniard.