Silva insists Man City’s dominance comes from NOT having Messi or Ronaldo in squad

BERNARDO SILVA insisted Manchester City’s “main strength” comes from NOT having a player like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad.

Pep Guardiola’s side are still chasing the quadruple – and the midfielder claimed it is because they do not rely solely on one player and everyone feels equal.

City’s squad is made up of global stars including Raheem Sterling, Sergio Arguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

But Silva has insisted the club thrive off the fact that they do not have one stand-out star on the pitch.

Speaking to GQ Portugal, he said: “The captains, mainly [Vincent] Kompany, has obviously a big impact within the group.

“Fernandinho, who talks a lot, even in the hardest moments, David Silva and [Sergio] Aguero, older players, all strong names, especially in difficult times of the season.

“I believe, though, that the strength of our team is not having a player like Cristiano or Messi, that by themselves makes a difference.

“Every player has their place on the team and all players feel equally important. I think that is the main strength of our team.”

When asked to explain further why it would not be beneficial to have a five-time Ballon d’Or winner at the Etihad, he said: “I mean that we don’t have a Messi or Cristiano, that is clearly above everyone else, who you pass the ball to and they score.

“When you have someone like Cristiano, you know sometimes he wins games by himself, we don’t have that in Man City.”

City have already lifted the League Cup this season, are on course to retain the Premier League title and have secured their spot in the FA Cup final with a win over Brighton.

But their hopes of winning the quadruple were dented after Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League.

Silva was ruled out of the first leg of the quarter-final after he picked up a thigh strain during a training session.