In Focus: Why Silva is still City's golden boy under Pep

Bernardo Silva has gone somewhat under the radar at Manchester City this season.

With Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and others grabbing the headlines in attack, he has been an essential but less glamorous cog in Pep Guardiola's system.

The Portugal international is among the Premier League's most consistent midfielders and a reliable performer both in and out of possession.

Ahead of today's clash with Tottenham, we take a look at Silva's importance for the reigning champions.

Paternal Pep

Silva's footballing intelligence cannot be questioned.

Guardiola has utilised the Lisbon native in various roles and positions since he joined the club in 2017, including occasionally at full-back.

And the City boss clearly appreciates his versatile star.

Last month, he said: "Bernardo is so important for us, for me personally because of the relationship I have with him.

"Always I like to have relations. Tight relations with some players is possible, for the other ones it is not because everyone has his own character, myself first.

"Bernardo is so special. And, of course, he's an adaptive player, can play in a few positions, many, many positions.

"He's a huge competitor. He loves to win. He's incredibly hungry… and upset.

"It doesn't look like that from the outside. But when he loses a game or misses a pass or simple things, he's angry with himself because he's so competitive."

Silva bullet

Silva has certainly contributed in attack for City this term.

He has three goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League — and ranked joint-fourth in the division for big chances created (seven) before this weekend.

With 201 completed passes into the final third and a passing accuracy of 91.4%, Silva continues to play a key role in the Citizens' build-up.

His tenacity off the ball is often undervalued too — among City players, only Manuel Akanji (18), Doku (20) and Rodri (22) have made more tackles than the former Monaco man (16).

He impressed again in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, operating as a more advanced central midfielder.

Following that match, he said: "I've played in this position plenty of times so I'm very used to playing as a No8.

"I'm enjoying it — it's wherever the team needs me right now. I'll do my best to help wherever the manager needs me."

Midfield maestro

An argument could be made that Silva is currently City's most important player.

The Portuguese does the vital job of acting as a bridge between defence and attack, creating openings in the final third as well as pressing effectively.

And at 29, he is in his prime and playing some of the best football of his career.

By the time City's No20 leaves the Etihad, he will likely be regarded just as highly as his namesake David Silva.

For now, though, the aim for Silva will be to win more trophies after last season's historic Treble — and beating Spurs will put the Citizens back on track in the Premier League title race.