He is the toughest player in training and we are lucky to have him – Bernardo Silva

He is the toughest player in training and we are lucky to have him – Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City portrait before the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on Augu…

 

From the day Bernardo Silva started training at Manchester City, he surely must have observed how incredibly high the standards are.

 

 

For instance, Oleksandr Zinchenko described Vincent Kompany as an “absolute animal” for how fired up he was when going into challenges despite returning from several injuries during his final season at City.

 

With the number of world-class players Manchester City have had on their books for a number of years, it is natural that their standards coupled with the competitive spirit in the training sessions must always be sky-high.

 

Similarly, Kyle Walker labelled Jack Grealish as a “nightmare” to play against in training.

 

Pep Guardiola perhaps has to take plenty of credit for how Manchester City’s players seem to be striving for excellence behind closed doors as well.

 

Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker of Manchester City pose for a photo during the Manchester City trophy parade on May 26, 2024 in Manchester, England.

Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

Bernardo Silva names Ruben Dias as his toughest opponent in Man City training

Bernardo must be accustomed to the level one must set in training at the Etihad Stadium at this point.

 

At any elite team, training seems to emerge as a key environment for the players in question to command respect from their teamates.

 

Bernardo was asked which player is his toughest opponent in training at Manchester City and he named Ruben Dias.

 

 

The 30-year-old told Pro: Direct Soccer: “The guy that I would say, just because he’s always connected.”

 

 

Previously, Bernardo praised Dias for how he gives City’s attackers the confidence to stay further up the pitch as he ensures more often than not to hold his side’s defence down.

 

Dias joked that he is Bernardo’s “security guard” as he is very protecting of his countryman and the pair seem to share a strong bond.

 

 

Oscar Bobb claimed Dias is Manchester City’s best trainer as well because “he never switches off.”

 

It seems like the £65 million man is as switched on in training as he is during games.

 

Pep Guardiola once compared selfless Dias to Vincent Kompany

The former Benfica centre-back seems to be committed to the cause at all times.

 

 

It is no coincidence why the 27-year-old has been one of the best players in his position across world football for several years now.

 

In March last year, Pep Guardiola compared Dias to Kompany due to his selfless nature while touching on his elite mentality.

 

Guardiola said: “Always since day one, always positive… he’s so positive.”

 

“His mentality is top of the top. That’s why he can play as a central defender in a top, top club like City.”

 

Pep Guardiola continued: “[If he’s] not playing – [he] never complains, works with the same methodology and work ethic, arriving two hours before, leaving two hours after [training]. Nothing changes. He lives 24 hours for his profession.”

 

 

“The type [of defender he is], quite similar with Vinny [Kompany], who it’s not about how I play myself. Ruben [Dias] is not playing just his game. He’s playing for everyone. He has the ability to see and solve problems. His character is so important.”

 

Dias seems to be exactly be the kind of character any teams to be successful.

 

Both Bernardo and Guardiola as well as other important figures at Manchester City must thoroughly enjoy working with such a top professional.

 

Dias’ importance to this City side can never be overstated, especially if they intend to have another trophy-laden season.

 

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