Pep Guardiola singles out one Manchester City player for special praise after vital Liverpool win
Pep Guardiola hailed Bernardo Silvas performance in Manchester Citys dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at the Etihad as incredible.
The 24-year-old Portugal international has emerged as a key player for City this season and was outstanding alongside Fernandinho in central midfield.
Silva has started all but three of Citys Premier League games this season highlighting his importance to the side and Guardiola was effusive in his praise of him post-match.
Bernardo is incredible, Guardiola told Sky Sports. Ive not seen a performance like that, in all terms, in a long time. Hes clean, hes clever, he fought against Van Dijk. He was incredible.
Silva made a decisive impact on the game with an assist for Sergio Agueros opening goal towards the end of the first half, yet his industry and diligence caught the eye throughout.
13.7 – Bernardo Silva covered 13.7 kilometres (8.5 miles) against Liverpool, the most by any player in a Premier League game this season. Endurance. pic.twitter.com/QTZewXE1mn
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 3, 2019
According to Opta, he ran further (13.7km) against Liverpool than any other player has in a Premier League game this season while he also had the highest average speed (8.4km/h) in the City side.
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Although Silva is regarded as a creative, attack-minded player, he has thrived in a deeper central midfield role this season, replacing the injured Kevin De Bruyne in the team.
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Against Liverpool, he made four interceptions and won back possession ten times – the highest totals in Citys side – and won three tackles, highlighting his influence on the game.
It was a huge result for City as they managed to cut the gap between themselves and Liverpool to four points and Guardiola admitted it was a must-win game.
He said: They are leaders, it is four points but we have reduced the gap. We knew that if we won we would be in contention to fight for the Premier league, if we lose it is over.
I dont remember a league so tough, there are so many huge contenders fighting for the title. It is closer, every game is a final.
More: Liverpool FC
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