David Silva has been nothing less than a legend for Manchester City, but he has already announced that the ongoing season will be his last one in the Premier League. If City are looking to continue their domination, then they must already be keeping an eye on possible replacements for the Spanish midfielder who has served them so well over the years.
The Spaniard has 71 goals to his name and over 130 assists and anyone replacing him will have big shoes to fill. Here are three potential players City can look to replace Silva with.
Isco
The Spaniard was considered as one of the best creative midfielders in the world, but his career hasn’t kicked off in the way it was expected. The 27-year-old has struggled at Real Madrid in the last one or two seasons and he might be better off moving somewhere else to realise his true potential. He is creative, can score goals, excellent on the ball and has a great vision to shine in a team like City.
The Spaniard is 27, and he might cost a bomb, but the midfielder has loads of talent. He also has the experience of playing at the toughest of levels. The attacking midfielder made just 11 starts in the La Liga last season, so it is clear that he has fallen out of favour there. City can consider a move for him next summer.
Hakim Ziyech
The 26-year-old has evolved as a right-winger in the last two seasons, but he used to play as an attacking midfielder before that. Ziyech can easily slot in at midfield in City’s set up, and he can be a like for like replacement for Silva. The Ajax player managed a whopping 24 assists in all competitions last season to go with his 21 goals.
He will also provide a terrific work rate in the middle, and one can see him as someone similar to what Bernardo Silva already provides for the Citizens. The Moroccon international will be a top bet.
Phil Foden
The English midfielder is being considered as a natural heir to Silva and Guardiola has touted him heavily since he has come here. City might not have to spend big bucks on replacing someone like Silva as Foden has the potential to be his replacement.
However, he isn’t playing regularly as one would have liked, so it remains to be seen whether he will manage to cement his place in the squad once Silva departs. Manchester City should definitely give him a proper go in the first team from next season and given his talent; there is a decent chance that he might be able to fill in the big shoes of Silva.
