David Silva is enjoying his new role at Manchester City as part of Pep Guardiola's perfect start to the season.
Silva, 30, impressed as City won their first three Premier League games, while he scored the opener in the 5-0 victory away to Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League playoff.
The Spain international was troubled by persistent ankle injuries last season and failed to find the form that has seen him become one of City's most influential players since he joined the club from Valencia six years ago.
Guardiola has switched Silva into a slightly deeper role than his usual No. 10 position, and the 30-year-old is thriving.
"I have to help in build-up play more often and sacrifice a bit more in defence, and overall I'm very happy since you can tell we've got off to a good start with Manchester City," he told Marca.
Silva was also in fine form for Spain on Thursday night, scoring both goals in a 2-0 friendly against Belgium in Brussels. It was a new era for the national team with Julen Lopetegui taking over from Vicente del Bosque after eight years in charge.
And Silva, who has 104 caps for Spain, said he enjoyed being one of the more experienced players in a youthful line-up that started with Alvaro Morata, Thiago, Koke and Vitolo in attacking positions.
"I feel very important, at ease, like a veteran player that has to help the talented youngsters," he added. "I've always felt comfortable with my role at the national team, where we continue to win because we work so hard."