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In Bernardo Silva, Manchester City have a phenomenal talent, one who is more than capable of being the heir to his namesake in David Silva. Having said that, he is also capable of making an impact in the side now, as we have already seen this season; however, he is more effective in certain areas.

Getting the best out of Bernardo

Typically, in 16 appearances for the Citizens this season, the Portuguese international has featured on the right of midfield as well as in the centre of midfield as Pep Guardiola rotates his team to accommodate his host of stars.

For the few games that Kevin De Bruyne has been fit, it has been Silva who has not necessarily had to make way for the Belgian by being out of the team, but by being moved positionally to accommodate him. Whilst it is hard to argue against that, such is De Bruyne's unquestionable talent, City fans are not seeing the best of the former Monaco man as a result.

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According to WhoScored, when the 24-year-old features on the right, he has contributed just two goals in eight appearances whilst earning an average rating of around 7.15. In contrast, when played centrally, where he has the movement of Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez ahead of him, Silva averages a 7.85 rating, whilst also recording three assists as well as the same goal tally of two.

Who should make way to accommodate him centrally? 

Well, when up against the Spanish Silva and De Bruyne, who would normally start in the middle, the diminutive Portuguese doesn't really look like ousting either of them, such is Guardiola's trust in them at present.

Additionally, the £43.5m man doesn't appear to be a troublemaker, nor does he look one to cause a scene if he isn't played in the right position; he is a team-playing character who gives his best for the team.

Indeed, he is still an exceptional player even coming in from the right flank with his wand of a left foot. However, the stats don't lie; the 5' 7" star is far more influential through the middle.

With his namesake approaching his 33rd birthday, Silva simply needs to be patient until he becomes De Bruyne's partner in the middle. When that happens, opposition teams will not get the respite they would've hoped for in a post-David Silva world.

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