Manchester City have the perfect solution to replace the injured Kevin De Bruyne in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool and Pep Lijnders knows it.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota has praised Manchester City team-mate Bernardo Silva.
Pep Guardiola, who will be in charge of the opposition when Liverpool visit Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, has enjoyed coaching some of the best players in football history.
Before he came to City, he was at his best with Lionel Messi, and two midfielders shocked the world with Xavi and Iniesta.
His subsequent managerial spell at Bayern allowed him to work with the historically prolific striker Robert Lewandowski as well as legendary midfielders such as Xavi Alonso and Toni Kroos. And we’re talking about six names on the unbeatable list.
Under Guardiola’s guidance, we can develop a player capable of winning at least five Champions League titles. At the Etihad, Guardiola oversaw the final years of David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, watched Kevin De Bruyne flourish and introduced Rodri and Erling Haaland to English football.
Bernardo Silva is another player who comes first in the eyes of the Spaniard. After City’s 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford late last month, Guardiola declared him “one of the best players I’ve ever seen” (via Man City’s official website) .
Since joining in 2017, he has undoubtedly contributed significantly to City’s unprecedented success. There has been constant speculation in recent years that he could leave to join first Barcelona, then PSG and most recently a rising superstar in the Saudi Arabian Professional League.
Bernardo admitted (via Fabrizio Romano) that he considered an offer to play in the Middle East, which would have been a great salary, but he wanted to stay at the top level. This prompted him to sign a new contract that runs until 2026.
Guardiola, who read a love letter to Bernardo after the United game, admitted he is “terrified” at the prospect of losing a player he considers “irreplaceable” (via Mirror). Yes, he proved his worth once again this season.
The 29-year-old has been a consistent starter, starting eight of City’s first 12 games, but his position has remained unchanged. He is already used as a right winger alongside Rodri as a number 10, number 8 and even a number 6.
His versatility comes from his wide range of skills and football brain, which has led compatriot Diogo Jota to name him as the one player other clubs want to see at Anfield.
“I think he’s probably one of the smartest footballers I know and the way he hides the ball from opponents is special,” he told That’s Football.
