Analysis of new Manchester City signing Bernardo Silva

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  • When the news of Bernardo Silva’s switch from Monaco to Manchester City on a five-year deal first broke, it drew an eclectic mix of responses on social media but the one perhaps most apt was from one user who said: “Pep must play FIFA”.

    Indeed, while Silva is an archetypal Pep Guardiola player, a multi-functional talent who can operate anywhere in midfield and was once even used as a left-back at Benfica, he will, it seems, join Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in the battle for the CM spot at City.

    It means Guardiola will have four quality players for two positions and the reported £43 million (Dh202m) signing represents a bold statement from the Catalan having released three full-backs and a goalkeeper on Thursday to kick off what is a crucial transfer window at the Etihad Stadium.

    Due to the taxing nature of Guardiola’s style, heavy rotation is a necessity and on the occasions David Silva was out of the team last season, City lost their creative spark.

    While the Argentine remains one of the world’s premier playmakers and is yet to show any signs of regression despite turning 31 this year, asking him to front all four competitions next term is a big ask and Bernardo represents his natural successor, a young intelligent midfielder who can press, create space and use it well.

    Guardiola can always use more midfielders and with the former Barcelona boss reinforcing the strongest part of his squad, the indication is that he could experiment with new formations – perhaps even using a six-man midfield – next season having largely utilised an inverted 4-3-3 system this term.

    We assess the qualities of the new £43m signing and how he may fit in at City.

    PLAYING STYLE

    Talent, touch and technique, the 22-year-old is a classy playmaker and one who thrives on maneuvering out of tight spots.

    His poise and balance enable him to make intelligent decisions and his low centre of gravity is one of the reasons he was nicknamed “Messizinho” (little Messi) when coming through Benfica’s academy.

    That nickname isn’t total hyperbole either. He possesses all the qualities Guardiola loves to work with and his intelligence and awareness on the ball stand out most.

    During the two-legged Champions League tie with City in the last-16, he was able to apply his quick thinking with an incisive passing ability.

    He’s a sinister weapon wrapped within a diminutive 5ft8 frame and given Guardiola’s possession heavy philosophy, Silva’s intricacy and close-touch dribbling skills will lend well to the Catalan’s style of football.

    POSITION

    There’s intense debate already as to where he would slot in at City given their midfield is already packed to capacity with quality players.

    At Monaco he largely played wide right in a 4-4-2, which resembled a 4-2-2-2, and it gave him the license to cut inside and utitlise his cultured left foot.

    Within the 4-3-3 frame Guardiola used last season he could occupy either side of the front three but ultimately he will be seen as the long-term replacement for his namesake David Silva.

    His ability to retain the ball, set the tempo and spark attacks means he is well suited to a role as the central playmaker. With Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva currently operating in the central spots, we could see Bernardo swapped into the rotation when either needs a rest.

    Ultimately, we may see him start his City career on the right side with Raheem Sterling most at threat but Guardiola will hope to shift him more centrally when possible.

    STATISTICS

    Statistics don’t paint the whole picture but in Silva’s case they do give a strong indication of the artistry he is capable of.

    He scored eight goals and produced nine assists during his 37 Ligue 1 games last season, forming a major part of Leonardo Jardim’s attacking axis as they marched toward the league title.

    According to Opta, since the start of the 2014/15 campaign, he scored 24 leagues, which is more than any other Monaco player and his statistics point to a versatile creative midfielder.

    Below is how his season compared with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.

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