Welcome to #Euro2016Rank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is David Silva in the top 25?
Among his Manchester City colleagues, his nickname is "Dav The Wizard," a tribute to the twinkling skills that the Canary Islander has delighted with since joining the Sky Blues in 2010 from Valencia. Cutting in from the wing, or behind the striker, even as a false nine, he has been a fixture for Spain for a decade. Silva is closing in on a century of caps, having been a leading player during his nation's Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 victories. At 30, injuries have slowed him somewhat, but he remains a player of true incision when given any sort of room by an opponent.
What the experts say about Silva:
"I just love David Silva. The quality he has, the way he reads the game. For us it is a pleasure to have him in our team. He has everything." -- Manchester City colleague Jesus Navas, August 2015.
"I don't know why he didn't go to Barca or Real Madrid because he's Spanish, but we are lucky because he's here." -- former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, September 2011.
Career highlight:
In the Euro 2012 final, he scored Spain's opening goal in a 4-0 rout of Italy, nodding in from close range after a Cesc Fabregas cross from the byline.
Stat of the season:
Silva had an 86 percent passing accuracy rate in 2015-16 (via Squawka).
What next for Silva after Euro 2016?
Silva faces something of an uncertain future as Pep Guardiola arrives at City this summer. He has the comfort of a long contract but will need to improve his fitness record.
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