Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva would know more than most that Pep Guardiola does not get many decisions wrong.
Bernardo signed for Manchester City in 2017 and during his time at the club, he has lifted the Premier League title in every season bar one.
Pep Guardiola feels Bernardo is one of his best-ever players as he sang the diminutive attacker’s praises after City hammered Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in 2023.
The Portuguese international has been a mainstay in Guardiola’s side for a majority of his time at the club.
So far this season, the Manchester City technician has started in six out of his side’s seven league games as well — demonstrating how highly he continues to be rated by Pep Guardiola.
During his spell at the Etihad Stadium, Bernardo has played with several talented young players.
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Bernardo Silva hints Pep Guardiola should’ve played Oscar Bobb more last season
The former AS Monaco maestro has played alongside the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis to name a few — who are all Manchester City academy graduates.
The 30-year-old has also played with talented youngsters from other nations such as Erling Haaland, Brahim Diaz, Savinho and Julian Alvarez.
Bernardo stated that Oscar Bobb, who he feels is the most talented young player at City should have played a lot more last season; suggesting that Pep Guardiola made a mistake by not giving him more minutes.
The six-time Premier League winner told Pro: Direct Soccer: “Oscar Bobb. I think even last season, he didn’t get the minutes that he deserved. But he’s up there. I think he’s going to have a very, very bright future.”
On Bobb’s display in Manchester City’s win against Manchester United on penalties in the FA Community Shield, Bernardo said: “Very, very good.”
Manchester City are hopeful Bobb returns from injury before 2024 — after he fractured in leg in training.
Pep Guardiola was upset by Bobb’s injury as well.
The Norwegian was a starter in pre-season and even set Bernardo’s late equaliser in the Manchester Derby — as he looked set to have the best campaign of his career.
Joleon Lescott named Bobb as Manchester City’s “standout performer” in pre-season as well.
Don Hutchison predicted Bobb to become a breakout star before his injury this season as the hype surrounding the 21-year-old’s name was growing.
Bobb named Bernardo as one of his role models at Manchester City as well — with the prodigious attacker who can play in midfield and on the wing revealing that he looks to emulate him at all times.
Man City view Bobb as the next Cole Palmer
The Oslo-born talent, who was getting a regular look-in at City seems to be held in high esteem by big names in the game.
In August, journalist Dean Jones revealed that Manchester City view Bobb as the next Cole Palmer and they are wary of letting him go and witness him become a superstar elsewhere like the Chelsea talisman.
Jones said: “The real intrigue will come in terms of understanding how Man City actually keep this player happy because this guy needs minutes, there’s no doubt about it.”
“There are other teams starting to wonder if he might be available on loan. So far that’s not the case but he is so good I’m actually putting him in that Cole Palmer bracket.”
“I think City kind of are too, and he’s that good they’re probably scared of losing him and he goes and bangs somewhere else like Cole Palmer has done.”
Pep Guardiola would have been looking to fulfil Bernardo’s wish and give Bobb a more significant role in Manchester City’s first-team had he not picked up a serious injury.
Young players are often advised to grab their opportunities at senior level with both hands.
Bobb did just that in pre-season during the 2023/2024 campaign as well as against top teams like Celtic, AC Milan, Barcelona as well as Chelsea and against Manchester United in the Community Shield.
The highly-rated wonderkid would be raring to return to full fitness and justify the excitement surrounding his talent.
