Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola: 'Bernardo Silva is the perfect player'

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that he regards Bernardo Silva as "the perfect player".

Guardiola was speaking after the Portuguese produced yet another inspirational performance during Tuesday's Champions League last-16 fixture at Sporting Lisbon.

The 27-year-old netted two goals and an assist as the Premier League leaders posted a 5-0 victory at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Silva now has 10 goals and three assists for the campaign in all competitions, but Guardiola has talked up the playmaker's ability both on and off the ball.

Guardiola is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: ""I always tell him 'you are the perfect player. With the ball, he is more than exceptional, but I always say to him you have to go and win games, you have to have the ability to do it. He has the technique, everything.

"This was his hometown, and he loves coming back here. Of course, he is a former Benfica player, so this was special for him tonight."

Despite having previously been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, Silva has a contract until the end of 2024-25.