Former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere believes Bernardo Silva is currently operating at a level that makes him the best Portuguese player in the Premier League right now, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 27-year-old has been Manchester City’s standout player this season, which has culminated in him netting seven goals in 14 Premier League appearances, including five in his last five games, making him the club’s current top scorer.
The diminutive Portuguese recently netted a sensational volley in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa and followed up with a brace away to Watford at the weekend, with that triumph enough to push City ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League table to first.
Silva’s current standing as City’s main attacking fulcrum is in stark contrast to his position during the summer. There were question marks over his role in Pep Guardiola’s stacked squad, but those have been firmly answered during these first few months of the campaign.
As such, Wilshere has ranked the Portuguese ahead of compatriots Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Diogo Jota as the best player from his country in the division.
Wilshere told talkSPORT: “His understanding of every role, he gets it right every time. He’s the best Portuguese player in the Premier League.
“Right now, Bernardo Silva is ahead of Ronaldo. I’m not saying he’s a better player than him and done the things he’s done.
“If we had a game tomorrow, I’d pick Bernardo.”
Former England forward Darren Bent was also discussing Silva’s recent form with Wilshere, and he suggested the versatile midfielder is the first name that springs to Guardiola’s mind when preparing for a game, ahead of Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Kevin De Bruyne.
Bent said: “I think he (Bernardo) is the first name on the (Man City) team sheet. In terms of natural ability, you might say probably Jack (Grealish), but in terms of importance to this Manchester City side and where he plays, he can play false nine, holding midfielder, right or left.
“Before you talk about his ability on the ball, his work rate off it is what separates him. He puts a shift in every single game.”