Wednesday 29 November 2017 06:18, UK
David Silva has been encouraged to sign a contract extension with Manchester City by manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish playmaker has often been overlooked during City's outstanding start to the season with Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus grabbing the headlines.
Silva has gone by relatively unnoticed but with eight league assists to his name - two more than De Bruyne and Sane - his contributions have been just as significant for the team unbeaten in the Premier League.
"When he can finally sign the contract we'll be so happy," Guardiola said about the 31-year-old who joined City in 2010 and is currently in discussions over a new contract.
His present deal ends in 2019 and he recently spoke of his desire to reach at least 10 years of service.
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"The club needs players who've played here for a long time to help players like Phil Foden in the future," Guardiola added.
"What I like the most about David - being a guy who's a bit serious in his life, a little bit shy - is how competitive he is, and aggressive, in winning duels, when normally he is a guy more about technique and the pass.
"I admire him a lot. He perfectly suits Spanish football but here with the speed and the weather, the wind and the tough conditions, he has survived for a long time.
"I put a lot of attention on how players react in bad moments, during the game and in bad situations. David is always there and that's so important for the club.
"Like Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta, and many other players, he's a real legend for this club. I hope he'll continue for the next years."
