Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola played midfielder Bernardo Silva in a new role against Arsenal at the weekend. With Kevin De Bruyne absent due to injury, the Portuguese international played more centrally and it suited his game.
Many fans on Twitter were reminded of his performances two years ago, where he also excelled in central midfield, and they are hopeful it is a sign that the player is recovering his best form:
Bernardo is crazy good, need him always to play.
— Lucas ? (@ohhluc) October 19, 2020
We need a player like that who can run with the ball through midfield to relieve pressure. Obviously he's great defensively, but his ability to dribble through midfield should make him the first choice before Gundogan. If Pep plays Gundogan more, prepare yourselves for 4th place
— MCFCFlames (@Lucioronio) October 18, 2020
Debruyne 's injury in 2019 and now let him to perform better..they fulfill the same position
— ?? (@WaelAT14) October 18, 2020
Play him in midfield not right winger
— Shawn (@shawnthesharkk) October 18, 2020
Has to try & make up for David Silva absence now, really back to somewhere near his best against arsenal, quality player & playing more regular this season will help him gain motev confidence which he lost last season
— mark thomas (@MThomas61) October 18, 2020
Yep, nobody better at breaking forward with the ball. Needs to get a run of games now and when everyone is fit, would always start before Mahrez and Foden for me
— Fat Jack (@paulgoggins67) October 18, 2020
The central position suited him. He played it in the Community Shield and was MOM
— Neil Bonnar (@NeilBonnarBN) October 18, 2020
Maybe we can’t have Bernardo and kdb on the same pitch
— ُ (@moaaz_101) October 18, 2020
He should play as Central midfielder because he is more effective that way and he helps us with the build up instead of having de bruyne too deep in our half???
— Mohamed Haibe (@BlacksonMo) October 19, 2020
It is only one game so it is best not to get too carried away but Bernardo certainly looks more comfortable in a central role, rather than when he is employed out wide by Guardiola. Whether there is a long term plan to keep him there, it remains to be seen.
De Bruyne is unlikely to be out for an extended period, though, and you would have thought that the Belgian would come straight back into the side where Bernardo is currently playing.