CITY STAYING POWER THE SILVA LINING

MAN CITY .... 2 BURNLEY ....

SOLID SILVA

OVER the summer at Manchester City, the focus was on Jack Grealish’s record £100million arrival and the ultimately failed pursuit of Harry Kane.

But perhaps of equal significance – but far less heralded – was City keeping hold of a player who has arguably been their best performer this season.

It is no secret Bernardo Silva wanted out, disillusioned at not being a regular starter and tempted by the prospect of a fresh challenge in Spain.

Silva never got the move but rather than sulk or publicly bemoan his plight, he has got on with proving his enduring worth to City.

Raheem Sterling complained at a lack of game time and suggested the solution could be to move, Silva’s shown the correct way to respond.

He was City’s man-ofthe-match in the epic 2-2 draw at Liverpool and was their best player again here, scoring the opener and running the game.

Pep Guardiola may insist he can’t guarantee players minutes but at the moment, Silva has become undroppable.

It is a measure of the competition at City that Grealish stayed on the bench with Silva underlining the challenge of impressing Guardiola enough to warrant a start.

Silva said: “The number 0 of good players we have in this squad is crazy.

“All of us are important, we’re fighting for four competitions, we want to win them all and we know how tough it is. It’s only possible if everyone is fit and prepared and does well when asked.

“It’s tough when you’re not playing the minutes you want. It’s happened with me and most of the players here – you have to fight for your place.”

His relentless industry and zeal make him an archetypal Guardiola player, as do his quick feet, eye for a pass and goal threat.

The City boss said: “We know how we want him, how we love him but it’s not just Bernardo.

“I want the best for all of them. They have to be happy to be here to perform well and he had that feeling (to leave) but it could not be possible.

“We are fortunate for that, because he is such an important player for us.

“He can play in four or five different positions and is so intelligent – intelligent players can play everywhere. I’m pretty sure, playing at this level, he’ll be happier and enjoy being here with us.”

Sterling, handed a start, did little to push his claim he should play more regularly.

Silva set City on their way to victory, Kevin de Bruyne’s second-half strike sealing the win.