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Manchester City’s Spanish playmaker David Silva believes Manu Garcia has the attitude and ability to make an impression on Manuel Pellegrini's first team.

Garcia, 17, has played twice for the first team this season, scoring once in the League Cup win over Crystal Palace in October and impressing with the maturity of his game.

He played a significant part of the club’s preseason tour of Australia, with Pellegrini keen to praise his contribution, and Silva says he sees shades of himself in his compatriot.

“Manu is a guy I really like,” Silva said. “His attitude is like how I was when I was his age. Apart from that, in terms of football ability, he’s got very good skills. He’s very young and I’m sure there’s a lot to come.”

Silva recently returned from a nine-game absence after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with Spain. He was playing superbly before the layoff and feels he’s beginning to get back to his best.

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“I had a few problems with my ankle at the start of the season but I was able to play. Unfortunately, that tackle meant I was injured again, but I’m back now, still getting the rhythm, and hopefully soon I’ll be 100%.”

Silva, who has been at City since 2010, is widely considered to be the greatest player in the club’s history, but that appreciation isn’t a one-way street.

“The reality is I don’t go out that much in Manchester but when I do people really don’t pester me. It’s a nice place to go and I have no problems walking around.”

Anfi Ambassador David Silva was unveiled as a ‘Secret Santa’ in Manchester City centre this week, giving out Christmas gift holidays to surprised local residents. Anfi is a five star resort in Gran Canaria. For more information www.anfi.com