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World Cup rankings: from 8 to 4

By James Fudge

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: David Silva of Spain is challenged by Mbark Boussoufa of Morocco and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: David Silva of Spain is challenged by Mbark Boussoufa of Morocco and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) /
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The Silva from Gran Canaria has been an important part of Spain success in recent years, winning the World Cup and European Championships in that time.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 01: Roman Zobnin of Russia tackles David Silva of Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 01: Roman Zobnin of Russia tackles David Silva of Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images) /

A successful and experienced team, Espana was the team that could lift the trophy with many people tipping the style and grace to shine in Group B and beyond. Turmoil days before the tournament threatened Silva’s starting position, however, the Manchester midfielder was ever present in the starting eleven.

His form in the group stages was consistent as he played in a more forward position that he finds himself at City. Linked impressively with Isco and Diego Costa but couldn’t find the cutting edge when it mattered the most.

His tournament ended prematurely by the hosts Russia, as they won on penalties. It was an opportunity to lift the golden trophy as they were in the easy side of the draw, quarter-final against Croatia and semi-final versus England was achievable for this team.