Manchester City legend David Silva has made no secret of the fact he plans to leave the Etihad at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old’s presence, experience and class will no doubt be missed but as his departure edges closer James Robson of the Standard, as relayed by City Chief, has reported via Twitter that replacing the Spaniard is not the priority and that instead, the Champions will be looking to recruit a top-class central defender.
These City fans believe that would be wise given they believe Phil Foden can provide an internal solution to the issue of losing Silva.
Is Phil Foden ready to replace David Silva permanently?
Yes
No
we already have the Silva replacement, goes by the name of Phil Foden
— Bradley??? (@BradleyMCFC__) December 26, 2019
We can route foden and Bernardo in that role
— dan mcfc harrod ???????? (@danielharrod09) December 26, 2019
Good because Phil Foden is David Silva replacement and Good were gonna buy a world class defender because we need one
— Luke St Leger (@luke_mancity) December 26, 2019
foden timeeeeee
— Jonathan (@imjonathvn) December 26, 2019
Smart decision. Phil Foden is a more than capable replacement for him until we sign another CAM
— Chad Langenhoven (@chadlang_19) December 26, 2019
They have two replacements already Foden and Bernardo
— John Derry (@jDerry0) December 26, 2019
What do we think?
Whoever is tasked with replacing the Spaniard has huge boots to fill. Silva arrived from Valencia in 2010 and has since won 4 Premier League titles with the club. On the international stage, the left-footed attacking-midfield player has lifted a World Cup and two European Championship trophies.
In David Silva, Phil Foden has had a great example from which to learn but the time for the apprentice to take over from the master is almost upon us. The City fans have high hopes for the £27m-rated star (as per TransferMarkt) and, naturally, when he does take over, there will be comparisons made – however, it’s important to remember they are not the same player and there will be differences stylistically and in terms of what they give to the side.
He may only be 19-years-old but Foden is one of English football’s brightest stars and if Pep Guardiola believes in him that tells you pretty much all you need to know.