Bernardo Silva is one of the most versatile footballers in the world – but he admits there are a couple of positions he actually finds quite tough to play.
The 29-year-old filmed a video with the club’s official website, ahead of flying out to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup.
The video is titled ‘Masterclass: Bernardo Silva’, and it is an exploration of what the player brings to the Manchester City team, in his own words.
City fans adore the Portuguese maestro for many reasons, but his versatility, work rate and tactical intelligence are arguably his best qualities.
Bernardo‘s ability to play so well in multiple different positions really sets him apart – but he says there are two specific roles he does find challenging.
Bernardo Silva shares the two positions he actually finds quite tough to play
These days, Bernardo tends to operate either on the right wing, as a holding midfielder or as a roaming number eight like Phil Foden.
The star says in the video that these are the positions he probably feels most at home in.
But City fans will remember that Bernardo has actually turned out a few times at left-back. Last season, Pep Guardiola stuck him there for three games in a row, against Aston Villa, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
On this role, Bernardo admitted (mancity.com): He knows I will do everything to help the team in whatever position it is. I’m not going to lie, it was tough to play left-back, especially against (Bukayo) Saka, because he’s an unbelievable player. This one (points to left-back graphic) is very tough!”
We have also very occasionally seen Bernardo operate as a false nine, sometimes with Kevin De Bruyne and other times just by himself.
“This position also is very difficult. You have to be more patient. The season we lost the Champions League final against Chelsea, I played a lot of games here as a false nine and it’s difficult to play there.”
Bernardo still shines
It’s interesting to hear him admit these positions as being the toughest to play.
Left-back is probably understandable, because that position demands a lot these days. You have to offer things in defensive and attacking areas. Prior to last season, Bernardo had never played there before but that said, he did a good job.
Danny Murphy did say last week that the City star was ‘one of the best examples you will see’ of an attacking player having defensive discipline, which is perhaps why Pep trusted him there.
The false nine role is another tricky one, because you have to know when to stay up top and when to come deep.
Despite Bernardo’s admission, Pep Guardiola would surely not shy away from fielding Bernardo at left-back or up top again if he was required to do so in the event of injuries
