Silva pure gold, insists Richards

MICAH Richards has watched over half a billion pounds’ worth of signings come through the doors at Manchester City – and the defender believes none of them compare to David Silva.

Sergio Aguero may have scored the two vital goals, but it was Silva who stole the show at Upton Park as City won 3–1 to claim their first maximum on the road this season.

The Spanish midfielder was a constant menace, picking holes in a bamboozled West Ham defence with his incredible vision and passing.

The performance came as no surprise to Richards, who has marvelled at the magic of the man they call Merlin ever since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2010 following a £26million move from Valencia.

City have spent around £600m since Richards signed his first professional deal at the club in 2005 after being snapped up from Athletic.

The likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Patrick Vieira have come and gone, while superstars like Yaya Toure, Aguero and Samir Nasri remain. Of the talent to arrive, Richards has no doubt that Silva is the best.

“We call him Merlin. He's like a little wizard isn't he? He is class,” the City full-back said.

“At West Ham he was just ridiculous. He is the best player I have played with. He just makes it look easy, the way he goes past people. He is just amazing.”

Silva’s pinpoint cross allowed Aguero to double City’s lead after the Argentinian had put the visitors ahead and the Spaniard wrapped up the win with 10 minutes left following Ricardo Vaz Te’s overhead kick.