SILVA NOW PURE MIDFIELD GOLD

FERNANDINHO reckons David Silva has become one of the best midfielders in world football.

The Manchester City playmaker (below) – once criticised for not adding enough goals to his sublime game – ran the match and the opening goal was his eighth of the season.

Fernandinho said: “David has become one of the best midfielders in the world.

“He creates chances, keeps the ball so well, passes the ball so well and he had started to score more – and that makes the difference.

“He arrives in the box at the right tempo and time. This is his level. I’m proud to play alongside him and so happy for him.”

City now head for Lyon in the Champions League needing a point to qualify for the knock-out stages and Fernandinho added: “If we win, we make a huge step.”