David Silva’s magic has transformed Real Sociedad into genuine contenders for

On Nov 8, 2020

David Silva’s magic has transformed Real Sociedad into La Liga contenders… the Man City legend needed time to settle in San Sebastian but he could be the key character in a Spanish football fairytale

Real Sociedad sit top of the LaLiga table after a superb start to the new season
David Silva joined in the summer and has transformed the team into contenders
The legendary playmaker’s impact has been gradual after contracting Covid-19
After settling into the side, he has now netted his first goal in Spain for a decade
Silva’s magic and toughness will prove crucial should Sociedad keep up their bid

Published: 04:41 EST, 8 November 2020 | Updated: 04:41 EST, 8 November 2020

It needs to be said quietly without too much fuss – much in the style of David Silva – but Real Sociedad are title candidates this season, and a major reason for that is the arrival of the man who became a Manchester City legend before returning to Spain last summer.

Silva’s impact on his new team has been gradual. He suffered a coronavirus positive when he first arrived in San Sebastian and then his team-mates needed to get used to playing with him.

He had taken last year’s star-turn Martin Odegaard’s number 21 shirt but his movements were different and the team had to adjust.

It should be said quietly and without much fuss, but Real Sociedad are LaLiga title contenders

David Silva, who joined from Manchester City this summer, had a gradual impact on the team

But game-on-game things have been improving, and on Sunday not only did they win their third straight league game by a three-goal margin, but Silva scored his first goal in Spain for a decade.

It was October 2010 when he last netted in La Liga, for Valencia before that English adventure. His goal on Sunday was a header from an Aihen Muñoz cross and it helped Real Sociedad win 4-1 against Celta Vigo. The week before they had beaten Huesca 4-1 and the week prior to that Getafe 3-0.

They are second top having scored more goals than anyone and with the second best defensive record in the league.

Sociedad will still remain outsiders for title glory but have looked promising so far this season

Silva is not just about magic, he has a toughness too that will give Real Sociedad a fighting chance to go the distance this season. He has already been booked three times and while that might not seem like a positive it should be remembered that being too nice was part of the reason why Real Sociedad missed out on a Champions League place last season.

Tactical fouls to stop breakaway attacks, boisterous displays of togetherness when decisions go against them or when a team-mate has been targeted, these are things that have been missing from their make-up. Silva brings that and he also brings a belief that they are not out of place on top of La Liga.

He has won titles at City. He knows how to last the course.

Should Real Sociedad find themselves in the…