Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola lauded David Silva as one of the best players he has ever seen after the Spaniard starred in his 400th appearance for the club, a 3-1 win at Bournemouth.
Silva started in an attack-minded midfield as both Fernandinho and Rodri were left on the bench, with City's approach ultimately paying dividends.
The 33-year-old split open the Bournemouth defence to set up Raheem Sterling to make it 2-0 to the Premier League champions, while he also claimed an assist for Sergio Aguero's second goal.
It proved a fitting display from the playmaker, who joined from Valencia in 2010, as he reached a notable personal milestone on the south coast.
Everything we love about @21LVA in a fine MOTM showing to mark his 400th game!
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 25, 2019
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Guardiola admitted on Friday he had doubts about Silva's suitability for the Premier League before the midfielder made the move – now he ranks him among the greatest footballers he has witnessed.
"He played incredibly well," Guardiola told BBC Sport. "David, in this kind of game – with a defence so deep and with such few spaces – is so good. He's one of the best players I've ever seen.
"What can I say? Everyone knows David. He moves between the lines like no one else in the world, he is a fighter."
Sterling's goal was his fifth in the league already this season and Guardiola was delighted with his side's clinical finishing, particularly given the champions did not craft a huge number of clear-cut opportunities.
"We didn't create so many chances, but Raheem is still scoring goals, which is good for us," he added.