Bernardo Silva has had the pleasure of playing with some of the most intelligent players in world football during his illustrious spell at Manchester City.
One of them is Kevin De Bruyne, whose footballing brain is as unique as one can come across.
Thierry Henry named De Bruyne as the smartest player he has ever come across in his career.
Henry claimed De Bruyne is so “clever” that he could even play as a defensive midfielder one day.
Amadou Onana also described De Bruyne as a “genius” — claiming that he sees things “normal people don’t see.”
De Bruyne labelled Bernardo himself as “so smart” and joked that he could play in 19 different positions.
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Bernardo Silva says Ilkay Gundogan is smarter than Kevin De Bruyne
Pep Guardiola would consider himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such intelligent players at City.
Sporting director extraordinaire Txiki Begiristain would pat himself on the back for ensuring he was able to convince such astute players to sign for Manchester City in the first place.
However, Bernardo has claimed the smartest player on the pitch within the City dressing room is not De Bruyne but Ilkay Gundogan instead.
Bernardo told Pro: Direct Soccer: “Good shout [Kevin De Bruyne] as well. This guy, he’s a very clever guy.”
“In general but I’m here more specifically talking about the way he sees the game.”
Conor Coady also once told BBC Sport that the German is “one of the most intelligent footballers” he has ever come across in his career.
Joleon Lescott named Gundogan as one of “the most intelligent players” he has ever seen as well — via Manchester City’s official website.
Txiki Begiristain singled out Gundogan’s footballing intelligence as one of the reasons why he is an “exceptional midfielder” when Manchester City re-signed him in the summer.
Pep Guardiola revealed Ilkay Gundogan is “one of the most intelligent players” he’s ever seen
The five-time Premier League winner’s footballing brain seems to garner praise from his teammates, fellow players and pundits time and again,
In 2021, Pep Guardiola revealed via the Daily Mail that Gundogan is one of the smartest players he has ever managed as well after he scored in Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach in the first leg of the Champions League last-16.
“He’s an incredibly nice guy. He’s one of the…I will never forget the time we spent together. As a player, he is one of the most intelligent, wisest players I have ever trained, I have ever seen.”
“This season, every time he has arrived near the goal, he has scored the goal, he has this quality but not just that. I’m so delighted with the performance from Ilkay [Gundogan] again and from all of the team.”
Gundogan’s knack for ghosting into the box and scoring crucial goals, his ability to control the tempo of a game and play across multiple roles are the multiple reasons why he is considered an extremely intelligent player.
Pep Guardiola will be hoping that the former Manchester City captain settles into the side soon and showcases these qualities on the pitch once again.
Gundogan’s importance to this City side cannot be overstated, especially after Rodri has picked up a season-ending injury.
