Bernardo Silva Shines for Portugal

Bernardo Silva’s Excellent Start for the Season Continues

Bernardo Silva is increasingly touted by Manchester City fans as the successor to David Silva. “We have two Silvas” the fans sing – acknowledging the brilliance of Bernardo by comparing him to our magician, David. Still, even this glorious fan chant is touched with a hint of sadness – the tears which are to come as David Silva’s end of contract at Manchester City begins to loom. But let’s not dwell on this unthinkable unhappiness yet – this is time to marvel in Bernardo.

Bernardo was called “bubblegum” by his friends whilst growing up because of his peculiar knack in keeping the ball under such close control. The ball seldom leaves his foot, as he juggles it down the pitch. He emerges from tackles unscathed, the ball somehow still on his toes. He scampers around, chasing every lost ball with the boundless energy and enthusiasm of a player who is not only at the top of their game but enjoying every minute of it.

For Portugal last night against Poland, he featured strongly in a team which was without several of their seasoned starters. There was no Joao Moutinho, no Cristiano Ronaldo. In contrast Poland lined up with Robert Lewandoski making his 100th appearance for the national team supported by many veteran campaigners including the scrabble maximum score which is Jacob Blaszczykowski.

The game opened with a surprising goal from Poland. A towering header by Platek was powered into the Portugal net in a mismatch of physical attributes such as height and strength at a corner. But Portugal remained composed and quickly regained control of the match. This control was wrestled by the scampering Bernardo. He quickly picked up possession, protected the ball and released a Portugal attack. Two passes later and the ball was turned into the net by Andre Silva with a simple tap in.

The second Portugal goal came within another 10 minutes. It was created by some superb running by the Portugese team and a wonderful 40 yard pass by Ruben Neves. If Neves remains at Wolves throughout the season it will be a surprise as he is looking every inch of a player more than capable of playing for a top Eurpean side. The pass unlocked a one on one with the goalkeeper and the ball spiralled off the approaching keeper into the net following a flick by Silva. UEFA match officials seem to have somehow recorded this goal as an own goal which doesn’t seem a fair reflection of the quality of the play and ignores the fact the goalkeeper was rushing to meet the attacker and attempted to make a save.

The game was pretty effectively pushed out of reach by Portugal not long after half time. This time it was Bernardo who scored. This goal was Bernardo at his very best – he received the ball in own half on the right hand side and jinked his way down the pitch, coming inside to the left hand edge of the penalty area, he skipped past tackles and unleashed a low shot straight into the net.

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There was a response from Poland who clawed a goal back. Another well taken goal following some neat build up play and the old warrior Blaszczykowski curled a shot beyond the Portugese keeper from just outside the area. For a few moments it felt like the game may be back on but Bernardo worked some magic in midfield, closing down any Polish attacks. The tide had turned back and the momentum continued with Portugal. Renato Sanchez had a fantastic chance to have put the game out of sight but somehow mishit his shot when clean through on goal.

All in all this performance illustrated Portugal may be a force to contend with in the coming Nations League Finals. In Bernardo they have a genuine talent working tirelessly across their midfield and capable of opening up opportunities for his team.