Football
Adriana Garcia 8y

David Silva enjoying new role with Manchester City and Spain

David Silva is in scintillating form heading into Saturday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford having scored four times in two games for Spain over the international break.

Silva scored both goals in Spain's 2-0 friendly win over Belgium in Brussels last week and scored twice in Monday's 8-0 rout of Lichtenstein in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

The 30-year-old is prospering under the guidance of two new coaches -- Pep Guardiola at club level and Julen Lopetegui internationally and the challenge of a new position, having been employed in a deeper role than his usual No. 10 position.

"I'm playing in a more central role, to help in build-up play and I'm comfortable and very happy with it," Silva told Marca. "Before I was playing more on the wing and I couldn't participate in those aspects of the game."

Silva, in his 11th year as a Spain international and seventh in the Premier League with City, is thriving on the responsibility that comes with being one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.

"I've always felt important," he said. "The difference is that I'm a veteran and I will try to help the younger players who have incredible qualities."

After helping Spain successfully begin a new era under Lopetegui, Silva is now focused on helping City maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.

"It's going to be a very beautiful game," Silva said of the encounter against Manchester United. "The two teams arrive to this game having taken good results and after making wholesale changes in every sense."

Asked if City would settle for a point at Old Trafford, he told reporters: "No, not at all. We've started the season very well and it should be a great game. But we won't be playing for a draw. We will go out to win the match.

"It's a ground where in the last few years things have gone okay for us. We know they are a very difficult rival but we won't settle for a draw."

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