Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola lauded David Silva as one of the best players he has ever seen after the Spaniard starred in his 400th appearance for the club, a 3-1 win at Bournemouth.

Silva started in an attack-minded midfield as both Fernandinho and Rodri were left on the bench, with City's approach ultimately paying dividends.

The 33-year-old split open the Bournemouth defence to set up Raheem Sterling to make it 2-0 to the Premier League champions, while he also claimed an assist for Sergio Aguero's second goal.

It proved a fitting display from the playmaker, who joined from Valencia in 2010, as he reached a notable personal milestone on the south coast.

Guardiola admitted on Friday he had doubts about Silva's suitability for the Premier League before the midfielder made the move – now he ranks him among the greatest footballers he has witnessed.

"He played incredibly well," Guardiola told BBC Sport. "David, in this kind of game – with a defence so deep and with such few spaces – is so good. He's one of the best players I've ever seen.

"What can I say? Everyone knows David. He moves between the lines like no one else in the world, he is a fighter."

Sterling's goal was his fifth in the league already this season and Guardiola was delighted with his side's clinical finishing, particularly given the champions did not craft a huge number of clear-cut opportunities.

"We didn't create so many chances, but Raheem is still scoring goals, which is good for us," he added.