Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has explained the absence of Bernardo Silva from his starting XI.
The form of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne has blocked every route to Guardiola's first team for a player with the versatility to operate in a number of positions.
“Leroy needed time to adapt a bit - to the way we play," said the City manager. “Bernardo doesn't - he believes and is ready to play.
“It's because I decide (that he doesn't).
“My feeling is that he's playing at a high level.
“Leroy was not confident at the start of last season, he didn't believe how good he was.
“Bernardo is very good. It's so difficult to leave him out.
“Bernardo is in the same situation as Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero. He's able to play and has amazing quality and personality.
“He is not scared. It doesn't matter where he plays.
“But other players are on top form."
Meanwhile, Yaya Toure admits City's young players are driving their senior teammates to new levels.
He declared: "For players like me and Vinnie (Kompany), the older players, and we see the younger players like Sane and Sterling coming in ... we play with more confidence. We can see what we are doing, when we put the pressure on we get the result."
Source: tribalfootball.com