Roy Keane Names the One Player He’s Glad He Never Played Against
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has spoken about the one player he’s glad he never had the chance to face during his playing career. And it’s a surprise – David Silva, the Spaniard who spent 10 incredible years at Manchester City.
Keane, who is widely regarded as one of United’s best-ever players, won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, four FA Community Shields, one Champions League, and one Intercontinental Cup during his illustrious career. He came up against some of the greatest players of his era, including Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Zinedine Zidane. But in his opinion, Silva was the one who got away.
"I look at players who’ve played over the last 10 years and I always think of when I’m retired about players I would have loved to have played against," Keane said on Sky Sports last year. "But he’s one I’m glad I never was around to play against because I know he would’ve twisted me inside out. An absolute little genius."
Silva made 436 appearances for City, scoring an impressive 77 goals and registering 146 assists during his time at the club. He won four league titles, five EFL Cups, and two FA Cups, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne. After leaving City in 2020, Silva played for Real Sociedad before calling time on his career at the age of 38 last year. In total, the Spaniard made 784 club appearances in his career, scoring 125 goals.
Keane’s admiration for Silva is not surprising. Both players are known for their exceptional technique, vision, and ability to control games. Silva’s creativity and pass completion rate were unparalleled during his City days, and he was often hailed as one of the best players in the Premier League.
So, what made Keane so impressed with Silva? For starters, his incredible dribbling skills. Silva was known for his ability to beat opponents with ease, often using his quick feet and clever body swivel to get out of tight spots. His vision and passing range were also exceptional, allowing him to create chances for his teammates with ease.
Additionally, Silva’s work rate and positioning were top-notch. He was often the first to arrive in the box, making clever runs that caught defenders off guard. His ability to press defenders and win the ball back was also impressive, making him a nightmare for opposing teams to deal with.
While Keane may have never played against Silva, his admiration for the City legend is clear. And as fans, we can only imagine how incredible it would have been to see two of the greatest players of their generation face off on the pitch.
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