Dunne: ‘Bernardo energy vital for City’ | OneFootball

Former City skipper Richard Dunne says the energy and verve Bernardo Silva brings to the City team adds a different dimension.

Our four-times City Player of the Year believes he is the perfect foil for Kevin De Bruyne and his recent displays suggest the Portuguese playmaker is shifting into top gear at exactly the right time.

His late goal against Aston Villa was crucial to City’s victory on Wednesday evening and, speaking on We’re Not Really Here, Dunne says Bernardo’s influence on the team is growing game by game.

“When he plays he brings a different energy to the team,” said Dunne.

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“He’s busy, he’s getting around everywhere, he’s brilliant on the ball. He can play out wide, he can come in the middle, he’s got different attributes.

“Bernardo can just move, come off the line and drift in behind people. For the opposition he’s difficult to mark.

“He and Kevin De Bruyne really link up well together.”

Now into his fourth year with City, Bernardo has already clocked up 177 appearances and scored 33 goals – including three in his last five matches.

The 51-times capped Portugal star is still only 26 and Dunne believes his confidence is growing again as we move onto the second-half of the campaign.

“If he’s in central midfield he looks creative and out on the wing he doesn’t look isolated,” said Dunne.

“He’s a really top player and he showed his energy again tonight. It's nice for him to get a goal, I know he says it doesn’t matter who scores but it’ll give him a boost of confidence and he might go on a run now and get a few.”

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Fellow guest and former City favourite Joleon Lescott was equally fulsome in his praise for the popular Bernardo.

Added Lescott: “Bernardo is an exceptional talent.

“In terms of goals he could add a few more to his game, but with three or four midfielders in there, he’s helping Ilkay Gundogan as well.

“I think others are able to get forward and recognise that he can fill in as and when needed.”

WATCH: City 2-0 Aston Villa: Extended highlights