Manchester City star is ‘one of the best ever trained’ by Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has been keen to issue even greater praise on Bernardo Silva – now the captain of his Manchester City side for the ongoing campaign.

Silva’s influence on City has long been acknowledged, but Guardiola’s most recent comments underline just how central the Portuguese midfielder remains to the club’s identity. Elevated to captaincy this season, Silva has continued to set standards both on and off the pitch amid a period of transition within the squad.

This campaign marks his ninth as a City player, and his role has arguably never been more significant. After the departures of senior figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Silva has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants – a player capable of managing tempo, guiding younger teammates, and fulfilling tactical responsibilities.

Pep Guardiola has repeatedly highlighted Bernardo Silva’s reliability, availability, and professionalism. Earlier this season, he revealed he chose Silva as captain following City’s toughest spell last winter, when injuries and results piled up and the Portuguese midfielder “was always there,” never complaining, and always leading.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Newcastle United, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on where Bernardo Silva ranks among the best players he has experienced throughout his managerial career.

“Top, high. One of the best. He can do everything,” Guardiola was keen to insist.

The 54-year-old continued, “He doesn’t score too many goals or is not involved in all the assists.

“He has never done that, but he gives us and himself something that is not in the stats, and a lot of things that are incredibly valuable to us. Absolutely one of the best players I have ever trained in my career.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments come at a time when speculation continues to surround Bernardo Silva’s long-term future, with his contract running until the end of the ongoing season and both Benfica and Saudi Arabian clubs monitoring his situation.

Manchester City are aware that conversations around his next step are only likely to intensify. Despite this, Guardiola is likely to be determined to keep Silva at the centre of his project, remaining convinced that the midfielder’s unique qualities are essential to the balance and intelligence of his side.

City’s hierarchy may share that view, and while contract extension talks have not progressed at this moment in time, the desire to retain the club’s captain remains strong at the club.

What comes next will depend heavily on Bernardo Silva’s personal decision-making over the next 12 to 18 months. A return to Benfica remains an emotional possibility, and lucrative offers from the Middle East will inevitably resurface.