Roberto Martinez would have been delighted with Portugal’s 3-1 victory against Poland in the UEFA Nations League.
Portugal managed to beat Poland comfortably — courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo as well as an own goal from Jan Bednarek.
Bernardo’s goal was the pick of the bunch as he volleyed in a cushioned header from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to give his country the lead.
The £43 million man started alongside Ruben Dias on Saturday night.
The pair have been regular starters during Roberto Martinez’s reign, as was the case under former Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
Bernardo was eventually taken off in the 81st minute of the contest while Dias played until the final whistle.
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Martinez names underappreciated Man City star
The Manchester City pair have become elder statesmen in the side, having played for the national team for several years now.
Dias started at centre-back alongside Chelsea’s Renato Veiga.
As for Bernardo, he featured in a midfield trio consisting of Fernandes and Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves.
During the European Championship, the midfield maestro largely played as a right-winger.
However, Martinez opted for Chelsea speedster Pedro Neto out wide instead.
On the left flank, the former Belgium manager gave AC Milan winger Rafael Leao a start.
After Portugal defeated Poland, Roberto Martinez claimed that Bernardo still tends to be underappreciated as there seems to be constant discourse around other players who are not picked in the national team’s squad.
Martinez told RTP 3: “Bernardo Silva can play anywhere, he doesn’t have a fixed position. In the European Championship, he sometimes played more in midfield and other times, more on the wing. We often talk about players when they are not called up and we don’t appreciate players like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.”
In England, high-profile pundits like Gary Neville describe Bernardo as an “amazing player” as he has consistently been one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
Bernardo Silva should aim to silence his doubters this season
This season, the 30-year-old should intend to silence any detractors he still has.
Bernardo has never seemed like the type of player who enjoys being in the spotlight.
The versatile technician seems to be quite understated as he quietly goes about his business at the Etihad Stadium and for Portugal.
Having won as much as he has in his career, Bernardo could further elevate his game by striving to put any doubts about his game to bed.
Elite players like the six-time Premier League winner must always find new ways to motivate themselves.
Roberto Martinez’s comments about Bernardo should give him the drive to ensure that his status within the game as one of the best players in the world is one that ceases to be questioned in the future.
If the decorated midfielder decides to fire back at his critics on the pitch after the international break, he could be set to have yet another season to remember.
