Bernardo Silva, the Manchester City star, has been hailed as Pep Guardiola’s favourite player following his impressive performance in the 3-0 win against Bayern Munich. Silva, who scored City’s second goal in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash at the Etihad Stadium, was praised for his exceptional ball control and dribbling skills by former City boss Stuart Pearce. The Portuguese playmaker ran the Bavarian giants ragged, leaving them struggling to keep up with Guardiola’s side.
Pearce, who was commentating on the game for talkSPORT, was particularly impressed by Silva’s performance in the second half when he bamboozled his way past Alphonso Davies before picking out John Stones. “I tell you what, I think Bernardo Silva has got to be Pep’s favourite player,” Pearce said. “When that ball arrives at his feet, he just never loses it. His body movement, his low centre of gravity, he’s just a magician with the ball at his feet.”
Silva’s goal in the 70th minute, which put City 2-0 up, was also praised by Pearce’s co-commentator Sam Matterface. “Coming in at the far post, waiting for the ball to meet his forehead and smashing it with furious pace into the far corner,” Matterface said. “Back across the goalkeeper to rifle Manchester City into a two-goal lead. Bernardo Silva is not someone you would expect to score with a header. But he just managed to tense his neck muscles to get the power to take it into the far corner.”
City’s victory against Bayern puts them in a strong position ahead of next week’s return fixture. Rodri opened the scoring for City with a wonderful curling strike from outside the box in the 27th minute, while Erling Haaland put the game to bed moments after Silva’s bullet header as he volleyed past Yann Sommer. Haaland’s goal was his 45th of the season, a record for a Premier League player in a single campaign in all competitions. In just seven Champions League outings this term, the 22-year-old has found the back of the net 11 times.
Silva’s performance against Bayern has cemented his place as one of City’s most important players. The 28-year-old has been a key part of Guardiola’s team this season, helping them to win the Premier League title and reach the final of the Carabao Cup. He has also been instrumental in City’s Champions League campaign, scoring three goals in eight appearances.
Silva’s success on the pitch is due to his exceptional technical ability and work ethic. He is known for his incredible ball control, dribbling skills and vision, which allow him to create chances for his teammates and score goals himself. He is also a hard worker, constantly pressing and harassing opponents to win back possession for his team.
Silva’s performances this season have earned him widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. He has been compared to some of the greatest players in history, including Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. His ability to control games and make decisive contributions in key moments has made him a fan favourite at City and one of the most highly-rated players in Europe.
Looking ahead, Silva will be hoping to continue his impressive form as City aim to win their first Champions League title. Guardiola’s side are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this season, having already beaten some of Europe’s top teams, including Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. With Silva in their ranks, City have the quality and experience to go all the way and become champions of Europe for the first time in their history.