Kevin De Bruyne in the ilk of Cristiano Ronaldo and can be the world’s best, says Bernardo Silva

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Kevin De Bruyne is a game-changer in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo – and can emulate him as the world’s best player.
That is the assertion of Bernardo Silva, a team-mate of the prized pair for both his club Manchester City and country Portugal.

Like many, Bernardo has been amazed by the dazzling displays of De Bruyne this season, with the Belgian instrumental as City sit atop the Premier League and their Champions League group, unbeaten and having racked up 37 goals.
And it offered the midfielder a reminder of the same big-game inspirational qualities of his national team captain and four-time Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
“They are different players, different positions, different qualities,” said Bernardo, a £43 million summer signing from Monaco. “But they are both amazing players and make a difference for the team.
“I think Cristiano has this quality of scoring goals every game, this regularity to score and open up the games. Kevin, also with his passes, his assists and way he always puts the ball in the right position. They are an inspiration for the team.

“Different players, but both amazing and it’s a pleasure to play with both of them.”

Bernardo says Real Madrid forward Ronaldo’s desire is a major factor in why he still remains a force at 32, but De Bruyne, 26, can be City’s own special Ron.
“Even after winning all the trophies he has, Cristiano keeps hungry and he has this will to always do more, to try to win more,” he added. “That’s what most of the big players do, that’s what keeps him on a high level for so many years.
“Hopefully Kevin will win [the Ballon D’Or] in the future too. It’s just fantastic what he can do. This season he has been doing an amazing job for the team and solves lot of games for us and I hope he can keep doing the same for the rest of the games.
“The greatest players change games, not just the type of game against Stoke [which City won 7-2], but also the close ones like at Chelsea. It was 0-0 and he made the difference, scored the important goal to win the game. It’s a pleasure to have a player like him in our team.”

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Ronaldo and Silva on international duty with Portugal
Bernardo, who has helped European champions Portugal into next year’s World Cup finals, is also eager to make his own mark at City after a settling-in period at the Etihad Stadium.
The 23-year-old made his only league start against Bournemouth two months ago, but notched a first goal for the club in the rout of Stoke last weekend and is pushing for a place against Burnley today.
“Everyone wants to start, of course,” said Bernardo. “I want to play, but I am happy here because I have been learning a lot in the last few months and I hope I can learn more and help the team.
“It’s very exciting to be part of this team, to be with these players and this coach. I think this season we can do something special.”

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