Versatile Silva showing why keeping him was key for Pep

IT is clear to everyone why Pep Guardiola was so keen to keep Bernardo Silva this summer.

- ISAAC JOHNSON

Of course, this was already evident to Manchester City supporters but the Portugal playmaker seems to have raised his levels in recent matches, especially so in the derby win when he ran the match. The 29-year-old helped out defensively while also starting several attacking moves, joining in himself at times.

Bernardo has been at the club for six years now and, as is the case with nearly all of Guardiola's early signings, has grown to become one of the team's most reliable players.

Barcelona took one of them last season after Ilkay Gundogan had lifted the Treble.

The Nou Camp was also calling for Bernardo, and not for the first time. The midfielder had spoken to the Spanish giants in the summer of 2022 before Guardiola convinced him to stay, with the same happening this year.