Micah Richards has lauded Bernardo Silva for his impact at Manchester City as he continues his brilliant start to the season.
The Portugal international has been in fine form since his integration back into the Blues set-up with City reaping the rewards in the absence of playmaker Kevin de Bruyne.
City have been forced to make do without the Belgian after his bout with coronavirus, but he did return to the bench for the trip to Vicarage Road after returning a negative result.
Silva scored a superb volley in the win over Aston Villa on Wednesday and added to his season tally with a goal against Watford as they continued their push for the Premier League title.
It was thought that the 27-year-old's time at the Etihad was up as his future became clouded with uncertainty towards the end of the last transfer window.
But he has found his form and become a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola's side and Richards couldn't praise him enough for taking his game to the 'next level'.
"He's just took his game to the next level, every time that De Bruyne is injured he steps up," he said speaking to Sky Sports.
"What has actually helped him, when he is playing in the three upfront he is getting into positions [inside the box] but he doesn't really affect the game because he wants to arrive instead of already being there.
"A lot of the positions he is finding himself is sneaking into the six-yard box, he's always alive, making sure he can make the difference. Again big game against United, he gets his goal. Against Aston Villa, the goal, if you look at it for the technique."
We've teamed up with LiveScore to invite fans to nominate their favourite results - the games which were much more than a score. Nominate the match that mattered to you here .
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
