Bernardo Silva, renowned for his versatility at Manchester City, admits to finding certain positions challenging within the team’s setup.
Before departing for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, the 29-year-old contributed to a video titled ‘Masterclass: Bernardo Silva,’ analyzing his role within the Manchester City squad.
His flexibility, work ethic, and tactical understanding make him a favorite among City fans, yet he confesses that there are two positions he finds particularly demanding.
Bernardo Silva specifically discusses the difficulties he encounters when playing as a right winger, a holding midfielder, or adopting a roaming number eight role, akin to Phil Foden’s style.
While he admits feeling more comfortable in these roles, he acknowledges his challenges when occasionally deployed as a left-back. Guardiola fielded him in that position for three consecutive games last season, facing Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, a stint Bernardo found notably challenging, especially against players like Bukayo Saka.
Additionally, he occasionally operated as a false nine, an equally demanding role that requires patience and strategic decision-making. Despite its difficulty, Bernardo admits to playing several games in this position during the previous season, notably in the Champions League final against Chelsea.
Though he excels in various positions, Bernardo’s openness about finding certain roles difficult remains intriguing. Guardiola’s trust in his adaptability ensures he might be utilized in those challenging positions again, even if they present inherent difficulties, owing to injuries or tactical needs.