SILVA IS PURE GOLD, SAYS CITY STRIKER

Gabriel Jesus has hailed Manchester City team-mate Bernardo Silva as one of the best players in the world.

Brazil striker Jesus grabbed the headlines by netting a 76th-minute winner as City came from behind to secure their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Paris St Germain on Wednesday.

Yet having been set up by a delicate volleyed lay-off from Silva, Jesus was quick to deflect the praise on to the Portuguese.

Silva, who had hoped to leave City in the summer, has been one of the side’s best players so far this season and was recently described by manager Pep Guardiola as “undroppable”.

Jesus said: “In my opinion Bernardo is one of the best players in the world right now because his quality as a football player is incredible, and he has another thing – that he always works so hard.

“He is a player I love. It doesn’t matter when in the game, he likes to work and have the ball.

“He doesn’t get the credits because he doesn’t score or make assists a lot, but if you watch him play football you will enjoy it.”

City took the game to PSG in a pulsating encounter at the Etihad Stadium and thoroughly deserved their success.

The hosts created a series of chances in the first half and PSG’S much-vaunted front three of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi were deprived of service.

Despite that, it was Mbappe who struck first, against the run of play, early in the second period.

City responded well with Raheem Sterling grabbing the equaliser just after the hour and Jesus coming off the bench to complete the comeback.

“I enjoyed it,” said Jesus. “As a Manchester City player I want to help all the time, so I can come in and help my team-mates.

“It was a great ball from Bernardo. I had to score because it was a top ball.”