Bernardo in 'serious' contention with Riyad Mahrez and others

Following the record signing of Algerian 27 years old dazzling dribbler [Riyad Mahrez] for club record of £60m, the has been a healthy duel for a leading position between two of the best right wingers in world football.

However, Bernardo Silva has left City boss Pep Guardiola in no doubt that the Portuguese is up for the fight for a starting berth for the Blues this coming season.

The 23-year-old returned early from his post-World Cup break - under Guardiola's instruction - and his impressing showings on City's American tour have signalled his desire to be a key figure in City's title defence.

"They asked me if I could come a little bit earlier [to the tour] and I said of course," Bernardo said.
"I want to try to do well this season so I want to be fit to start well."

That battling attitude was reinforced by eye-catching displays against Liverpool and Bayern Munich - scoring twice against the latter - in which the Portugal international demonstrated his ability to play both wide and centrally; which was newly invented by him during the Selecao das Aquinas short World Cup Campaign.

Nevertheless, operating in a number ten role may become a familiar haunt for Bernardo this season with such an abundance of pace and talent already at Guardiola's disposal on the flanks in the form of Mahrez, Leroy Sané and Raheem Sterling .