....I think a key aspect of Silva’s game plan is footballers who are comfortable and keep possession, especially away from home against tougher opposition. Bernard is technically excellent and very confident in his own ability. When the team are under the cosh, Bernard and Gomes are brave in possession. Silva trusts them.
Lookman is unreliable, even in cameos. I like him lots, but I understand why Silva overlooks him. He’s more of a conventional winger, who’ll take full backs on, hit crosses in the box and has more scoring potential than Bernard, but in the context of team effectiveness Bernard is on a different level.
I absolutely guarantee if you’re a teammate, you’re delighted when Bernard takes to the pitch alongside you.