Bernardo Silva matches ex-Man United star, clears Ronaldo for Premier League record
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Bernardo Silva matched a Premier League record in the victory over Chelsea || Image credit: Imago

Bernardo Silva matches ex-Man United star, clears Ronaldo for Premier League record

Faruq Ibrahim 01:49 - 20.08.2024

Bernardo Silva solidifies his claim to being the greatest Portuguese export to the Premier League with milestone against Chelsea.

Bernardo Silva is one of the most understated players in the Premier League, but his performance for Manchester City in the 2-0 victory against Chelsea and the milestone it helped him reach brought him much-deserved plaudits. 

The 30-year-old reprised his usual midfielder-cum-winger role in Pep Guardiola’s set-up. He assisted the opening goal of the game, laying the ball off to Erling Haaland, who rode challenges from Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill before finishing past Robert Sanchez. 

The assist proved a historic one for Silva, as it ties him with legendary Manchester United winger Nani for the most by a Portuguese player in the Premier League.

Bernardo’s Premier League numbers 

The Portugal international joined Pep Guardiola's side in the summer of 2017 from Monaco for a reported €50 million fee. 

He needed time to settle, and since he has, his value has been immeasurable for Pep’s ultra-successful Manchester City. He has amassed 234 appearances in the league for the club and has been a part of all six Premier League titles won in the Guardiola era.

He scored 39 goals and, more importantly—in the context of this article—notched 43 assists. 

Bernardo Silva is important to Man City. (Photo Credit: Man City/X)
Bernardo Silva is important to Man City. (Photo Credit: Man City/X)

How that compares to his compatriots

Nani previously held the title amongst Portuguese contingents in the Premier League for Assister-Supreme. In his 147 games for Manchester, the electric winger had 43 assists. They remain tied; however, with Nani retired, it is expected that Bernardo will soon surpass him. 

Third on the list is Bruno Fernandes, who, according to the Premier League, has 41 assists in 160 appearances. Fourth place goes to the Premier League's only Ballon d'Or winner, who in his 236 Premier League games across two spells with Manchester United could only manage 37 assists. 

The fifth player on the list is also the only one in the top five to contribute to their total with appearances from multiple Premier League clubs: Luis Boa Morte. The now-retired winger, who won the Premier League and FA Cup titles with Arsenal, registered 35 assists across stints with the Gunners', Fulham, West Ham and Southampton.

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