Thomas Sinicki, Media365: Published on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:35 p.m.
In addition to being central to Manchester clubs, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes share many characteristics.
Silva, Guardiola's mind
The former Monaco, where he revealed himself once and for all with Kylian Mbappe during the famous Champions League season in 2017 (which ended in the semi-finals), has already completed his seventh season in the shirt of Manchester City, where he is part of Pep Guardiola's club. Six of the oldest managers – with Kevin De Bruyne (in place since 2015), John Stones (2016), Ederson, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden (in 2017 same). His Spanish coach continued to lavish praise on him throughout these years, considering him on several occasions the best player in the world thanks to his always exceptional intelligence despite adversity.
Of course, his country should benefit just as much. The right winger opened the scoring against Turkey (3-0) and his coach Roberto Martinez also considers him a future coach, as he said a few months ago on the Rio Ferdinand podcast: “Normally, the player understands his role, but he also understands others and how he can help them. We are now working on developing The culture of possession, this type of player is the difference between a good team and a team that wins. He tries to go into space or stop the tempo to open it up. His mind is unbelievable.”
Fernandes, another Manchester gentleman
The advantage of the Manchester United strategist, who tries as much as possible to carry him at a distance, is that he has already had to deal with his huge compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo at the club. During the 2021-2022 season, the former Sporting player (as 'CR7') was often embarrassed by having to assume the fate of the Red Devils, in the face of the five-time Ballon d'Or's increasingly chronic shortcomings. In selection, Bruno Fernandes also has to find his place.
Cristiano Ronaldo offered him caviar to score the third goal against Türkiye (3-0), evidence that things have changed. He has been in every luxury midfield position in Portugal since the start of the Euros, and is less attacking than he was at Manchester United where he was replaced as a true striker to end the season. But his inadequate performances in Germany, like those of all his teammates, are creating real doubt in the country. “He has this ability to do what the game requires, and it is very rare to find a player like him.” But she still remembers someone.
