Micah Richards rates David Silva as the best player in the country on current form as he prepares for a tough game against Newcastle.
Man City defender says Spaniard is best in league
Micah Richards has described David Silva as the best player in the country on current form as he prepares for a tough game against Newcastle after the international break.
Silva joined Manchester City from Valencia in the summer of 2010 and it was not clear in his first few weeks at the club whether he would be successful in the Premier League.
However, he soon settled into his new surroundings and earned rave reviews for his performances during the second half of last season.
The Spanish midfielder has started the new campaign in sensational style and, after starring in the 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, has earned praise from team-mate Richards.
Richards, who captained City at Loftus Road in the absence of the suspended Vincent Kompany, does not feel anyone in the division is playing better than Silva at present.
"I am just glad to be in the team and it was a great honour to lead out a team of such stars and quality players," Richards said in the
Manchester Evening News.
"Sometimes I just watch and admire. David Silva is one of my favourite players - some of the stuff he does is amazing and he is a very humble guy. I think all the best players are humble.
"I think on current form he is the best player in the country.
"When he first signed, people were not sure he could play in the Premier League.
"This season and towards the end of last season, he has really been unbelievable for us. Hopefully he can continue like that."
Newcastle respect
While Silva has shown he is capable of unlocking rival defences this term, City's next opponents Newcastle could be harder to overcome as they have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League.
Richards is expecting a difficult challenge at the Etihad Stadium on 19th November, but remains confident of inflicting a first defeat of the season on the Magpies.
"Newcastle will be a hard game," said Richards. "At home we are able to play our football a little bit more but you have to give respect to Newcastle.
"They have a good defensive record but hopefully we can break that down."
