World Cup 2018: Five players who have failed to live up to expectations

Korea Republic v Germany: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Korea Republic v Germany: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

#3 David Silva (Spain)

Spain v Russia: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Spain v Russia: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

You would think that David Silva would be the perfect player to come to the World Cup and lead the way for Spain after a brilliant Premier League season for Manchester City. He has been, and still is, a key player for this Spanish side. He has made well over 100 appearances for his national side, and would have expected to thrive in a midfield that includes Andres Iniesta, playing a similar style of football to what he plays at City.

But he never seemed to find a role in the Spanish squad. At City, he plays with Kevin de Bruyne, and the two are very different footballers. However with Spain, he plays similarly to Isco and Iniesta, and he just couldn’t have an effect. He was dragged off after just over an hour against Russia, and it wasn’t really a surprise. It is clear that he is a brilliant footballer, but it didn’t work out for him at the World Cup.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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