Bernardo Silva says he is in no doubt that Phil Foden possesses all the necessary qualities to go on and become one of the game’s outstanding midfield talents.

The teenager has made huge strides since making his first team debut for City in 2017.

And with David Silva confirming this will be his last season at the Club, Foden is set to become a key figure looking to the future.

For his part, having seen the Stockport-born star’s qualities first hand, both in training and in games, Bernardo believes Foden has an hugely exciting future ahead of him.

CITYZENS AT HOME

“I think Phil is a fantastic player and has a great future ahead of him,” Bernardo declared.

“If he stays a long time definitely (his future is bright) and I think it’s a good opportunity for him when David goes for Phil to start to play more and to have a firm position in the team.

“I think it’s tough. When you talk about City of course he’s unbelievable - a fantastic player and has a huge future ahead of him - but it’s never easy when in your position you have players like David or Kevin (De Bruyne) or Gundo (Ilkay Gundogan).

“So, he needs to stay calm, to work a lot and these opportunities will come

“Whenever he plays, he plays great, the more we go the more opportunities will come and I’m sure in the near future he will be a very, very important player for City.”

Bernardo himself has gone from strength to strength since moving to City from Monaco in the summer of 2017.

CITY+ - Free to Cityzens until football resumes

And he has also proved his versatility by being deployed in a number of different positions to huge effect.

But quizzed as to what was his preferred position, the modest Portuguese star insisted is main desire was simply to help the team.

“I have my preference (in terms of position) but I won’t tell you which one!” Bernardo told Bleacher Report in a Q and A session.

“But I just love to play and if I feel I’m helping the team it doesn’t matter if I’m on the left, the middle, on the right or playing as a false nine.

“Playing in different positions you learn a lot.

“If you play in one season in the same position it’s much easier but (playing in different positions) it’s a great experience and you learn a lot, so I like it.

“Maybe I’ll play more in middle too – that’s up to Pep to decide – I’m open to whatever Pep thinks is best for the team.”