Fansided

The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – MARCH 23: David Silva of Spain during the International Friendly match between Germany v Spain at the Esprit Arena on March 23, 2018 in Dusseldorf Germany (Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images)
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – MARCH 23: David Silva of Spain during the International Friendly match between Germany v Spain at the Esprit Arena on March 23, 2018 in Dusseldorf Germany (Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

12. David Silva, midfielder, Spain

As good as Iniesta is, David Silva may be the best midfielder in Spain’s ranks at this World Cup. The 32-year-old is coming off a superb season with Premier League champions Manchester City.

Silva was a creative and goalscoring force in a midfield otherwise overflowing with match-winners. He found the net 10 times and supplied an impressive 13 assists.

Effortless pass-and-move excellence defines Silva. His natural flair for one- and two-touch distribution means Spain’s play should be the most easy on the eye in Russia.

The challenge for Lopetegui will be finding ways to successfully accommodate all of his creative talents. For some, Silva and Iniesta may be too similar to play together.

Yet La Roja will be better every time their best players are on the pitch at the same time.

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