Pep Guardiola has heaped lavish praise on his captain. He compared Bernardo Silva to Lionel Messi after the midfielder’s stunning header helped Manchester City claim a crucial 2–0 victory over Villarreal in Spain on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese star doubled City’s lead just before half-time with a beautifully timed header from Savinho’s cross, following Erling Haaland’s opener at the Estadi de la Ceràmica.
The result marked an important win for the Sky Blues in their third UEFA Champions League group-stage outing, boosting their hopes of progressing deep into the tournament after last season’s early exit in the play off.
The victory lifted Guardiola’s side into fifth place in the overall group-stage standings and extended their improving run of form.
After a sluggish start to the campaign, City have begun to rediscover the rhythm and precision that defined their treble-winning teams in previous seasons. Since returning from the September international break, Guardiola’s men have appeared sharper and more cohesive, showing signs that they could again be serious contenders on all fronts.
However, the City boss has made no secret of his belief that this iteration of Manchester City remains a work in progress.
With several summer departures and a handful of new faces still bedding in, Guardiola has stressed that time and patience will be vital as his squad adapts to its new balance and leadership dynamic.
Silva leads by example as Guardiola breaks his own rule
The summer was one of transition at the Etihad Stadium, both on and off the pitch. Under the guidance of newly appointed director of football Hugo Viana, City oversaw a number of significant changes following what was, by their lofty standards, a disappointing 2024–25 season.
The club finished the Premier League campaign with their lowest total points since Guardiola took charge – prompting a strategic reshuffle across departments.
One of the most notable moves came in the defensive ranks. Veteran right-back Kyle Walker, who had returned from an unproductive loan spell at AC Milan, was sold to Burnley for £5 million.
In Walker’s absence, Guardiola made a rare personal intervention by directly appointing a new captain – a departure from his usual practice of allowing the squad to vote.
The armband was handed to Bernardo Silva, the creative midfielder whose consistency, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic have made him indispensable since his £43 million move from AS Monaco in 2017.
Silva’s leadership and performances have justified the manager’s faith. On Tuesday night, he once again rose to the occasion – literally – scoring an uncharacteristic but brilliant header to cap a commanding first-half display.
As a result of this, Guardiola compared Bernardo Silva to Lionel Messi as he delivered one of his most striking compliments yet.
“Bernardo (Silva) made an incredible header,” Guardiola told TNT Sports after the match. “Bernardo, I remember like Riyad Mahrez, a little bit like (Lionel) Messi – they have a hammer in their neck. They are so good; they are small but they are so good in the head contacts.”
Drawing a comparison with Messi, the player often regarded as the greatest of all time, reflects the high esteem in which Guardiola holds his captain.
It was an acknowledgment not only of Silva’s technical brilliance but also of his versatility and courage in moments that demand precision and calm.
The future of a captain who defines consistency
Bernardo Silva has been an ever-present figure in City’s starting XI this season, continuing to influence games with his control, creativity, and tireless pressing. Yet, uncertainty still lingers over his long-term future in Manchester.
The 30-year-old is under contract until the summer of 2026, but reports suggest that he has already made up his mind about his next move, though he has chosen not to reveal it publicly.
According to source close to the club told reporters earlier this month that Bernardo for now focus on leading City to success again, but beyond that, the decision about his future is his.
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Director of football Hugo Viana appears willing to take a calculated risk by allowing Silva to enter the final stages of his current deal. That decision could leave the club exposed to losing him for free at the end of next season, as he will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 2026.
Still, City’s priority remains immediate success. After ending last season without a major trophy, Guardiola is determined to reclaim the momentum that made his team the dominant force in European football.
With Silva wearing the armband, Haaland rediscovering his scoring touch, and young talents like Savinho stepping up, there is a growing belief that City’s new era might be ready to flourish.
