Bernardo Silva was hailed as the best player in the Premier League by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and teammate Ederson. The Portuguese hit two goals against Watford on Saturday, helping his team win 3-1. 

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Silva, with eight goals, has been Manchester City’s top goal-scorer this season. Against Watford, Silva, on rebound, lashed from a tight angle from the right to double the team’s lead. He also struck one in the 63rd minute.

Silva’s 43rd-minute volley goal against Aston Villa last week had earned him praise. 

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After Silva’s strike against Villa, City boss Pep Guardiola was asked where the 27-year-old ranks among the division’s top players. 

“He is the best,” the coach said. “He was the best two or three seasons ago. He was the best then too. He has a special ability to do whatever he wants with the ball. Against a good goalkeeper it was an incredible finish.”

Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson backed Guardiola’s assessment. 

“Of course, I agree,” the Brazil keeper told talkSPORT when asked if Silva really is better than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

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Silva was signed by City in 2017. He moved to the Etihad stadium in the same summer as Ederson, who joined from Benfica. The two had previously played together at the Lisbon giants

“I’m with Bernardo every day, I have known him for a long time, since our time at Benfica. I know his skills, how good he is and how good he has become. He is a very important player for us, he has an amazing talent. He is good at keeping the ball, his touch. I only have praises for him because he is an incredible player. Any manager would love to have a player like him in the squad,” Ederson said.