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David Silva believes Spain have the best player in the world in Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

The reigning world and European champions come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Donetsk tonight.

Ronaldo has carried Portugal almost single-handedly into the Euro 2012 semi-finals with such style that it has opened up the debate as to who is the best player in the world.

Manchester City star Silva admits he often gets asked how Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi compare head-to-head.

But Silva believes playmaker Iniesta is better than both of them and is confident his inspiration can fire Spain to Euro 2012 glory.

(Image: Reuters)

“The press often ask me about Messi and Ronaldo and who is the best but one thing for me is very clear,” said Silva.

“For me, the No.1 is Andres Iniesta, because he is my team-mate for Spain and I can see that he is able to do even more difficult things on the pitch. Andres is magic with the ball and a great person, a big player for the team.

“I don’t know privately Ronaldo or Messi but Andres is such a big player and character. So important.

“Portugal are a good team and have played some great football.

“They have also shown that they are not just about Ronaldo, no matter how good he is for Portugal and Real Madrid. We are not obsessed just with playing Ronaldo.” Spain have the chance to retain their Euro title but goals have been the big problem for Vicente Del Bosque’s men this time.

Barcelona’s David Villa has a broken leg, Fernando Torres of Chelsea has been in and out of the team and Del Bosque has often played without a conventional striker.

It leaves pundits starting to question whether Spain can repeat their success of four years ago or whether Germany are the best team at the Euros.

But Silva believes that, far from being weaker, Spain are actually stronger as a unit and will prove this against Portugal after beating France.

Silva added: “We are ready for the Portugal game. We know it will be difficult but we remain optimistic.

“The fear will be with Portugal because they are playing the champions.

(Image: Getty)

“Portugal beat us recently in a friendly but that signifies nothing. This is a semi-final at the Euros and everything is different. To play another final with Spain will fulfil a big dream for many of us.

“It’s not been easy but I think we have improved as a team in this European Championship.

“I think we showed against France that we’re together as a unit. I think opponents should fear us rather than us fear them. We are the key team in the semi-final.

“If we control the ball then we have chances to complete the victory.

“That is our mission and we will give everything to make sure we win.

“Tiredness does come into a competition now but playing in the semi-final of a Euro only helps to lift any player.

“It will increase our levels and push any player to the limit.”

(Image: AP)

Portugal have probably been the surprise package of the Euros and Chelsea’s Raul Meireles insists they go into their Spain showdown on a level footing with the holders.

Meireles said: “It’s to be expected that people consider Spain as favourites but we think it’s 50-50 and either team can win the game.

“We’re ambitious and it’s our belief we can reach the finals. Ronaldo is important for us but there are other players who can be decisive.”

Iniesta's Euro 2012 stats

Matches 4

Minutes On Pitch 344

Goals 0

Shots On Target 8

Shots Off Target 1

Shooting Accuracy 89%

Touches 360

Goal Assists 1

Key Passes 4

Total Passes 307

Pass Completion 91%

Duels 36

Duels won 61%

Dribbles & Runs 17

Dribble Completion 53%

Tackles Made 4

Tackles Won 25%

Interceptions 1