Villa is better by way of versatility, consistency and work ethic.
- He can spearhead an attack, play behind a strike-partner, or work the channels. Van Persie can as well. But DV7 executes these roles to equal quality, and greater effect.
- He's not just a goal-scorer, but one who contributes to playmaking, linkup attack and setting up his teammates, all of which require vision and passing (non-striker attributes). He assisted second to Aimar in 05/06 for his team, and was La Liga's leading assist man in 06/07. So far in their career Villa has 78 assists to RVP's 53. The former has played more, but their assist/game ratio is about similar.
- DV7 has stood out playing for the likes of S.Gijón and Zaragoza, which i'm sure you know are not of the same quality as a top 4 EPL club (where RVP has spent playing the best part of his career) and boasting a ratio of a goal in 2, and being instrumental in zara's victory over Real madrid in the CDR finals 04.
- In his time at Valencia, which was marked by instability(fin.and sportin'), internal conflicts, 4 managerial changes, he was the top spanish goal-scorer for 4 seasons, and a constant thorn for the top 2 despite the level of quality around him.
- Has a vast array of skills and weapons. He can volley, chip, scissor, overhead, score from the half-way line, and score golazos from either foot from acutest of angles and distances. He's also a proven set-piece player. RVP in his career has neither shown the same variety or depth in his shot-making/finishing.
- RVP is a technical player, yes, but most EPL players of his kind (regardless of quality) look better than what they actually are, thanks to the incompetence of EPL defenders who lack the knowledge or the ability to take on fast technically skilled players. RVP won't enjoy similar success against La Liga defences. Conversely, DV7 (even at 30) will have it much easier there. You just 've to look at how some of his NT teammates(Mata, Silva, Torres - before he lost it) have been twatting the EPL defences. At this moment, RVP is a better dribbler, but DV7 in his prime was better.
- Villa's intl exploits and stats speak for itself. RVP isn't close.
- His biggest footballing attribute is his humility and sacrifice. His willingness to take a step back for his other team-mate to shine. His willingness to learn from a younger and lesser player in order to contribute more to the team. His work-rate (tracking back) and pressing game. But more so, the chemistry and good-will he shares with his team mates, all of which are important for the team-morale and spirit. And you can't put a prize on that.
David Villa at his prime was heroic (still is) and magnificient. RVP is not a worthy comparison. But then most posters here have not seen Villa pre-barca.
He might be in the decline, but he can still offer much more than an RVP can to this team. Upon recovery, Villa shall return and add more beautiful chapters to his Barca legacy.. You all watch!.
atr thinking that RVP is any less consistent then Villa and that Villa doesn't contribute to the link up play 
