The midfielder was a standout man in Manchester City’s 6-0 thrashing of Watford on Saturday - a convincing win that sent Pep Guardiola’s side top of the table.
And despite the club spending around £200m on new players this season, ex-City man Barton still believes Silva is the best player in the entirety of the top flight.
“City look phenomenal,” he said.
“They’ve got the best player in the league – and that’s David Silva. He’s head and shoulders above anyone else and has been for a while. Every pass is the right pass.
"He would have to be in the same conversation as a Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
"If he was playing for Barcelona and not in the Premier League he would be even better.
"For me, he is the best in the Premier League by an absolute mile.
"His pass selection, his weight of pass, the way he uses his body. You can't get the ball off him.
"City are just so far a better team with him in it. He is absolutely vital if they are going to win the league."
Silva is expected to be rested for City’s trip to West Brom in the Carabao Cup tonight, but will more than likely be back in the fold for their clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
