Bernardo Silva has claimed that Manchester City’s strength is that they don’t have a superstar such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
City, who are chasing the Quadruple, have an array of hugely talented players in their squad, including Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.
However, Silva feels that the fact that City don’t have a dominating figure such as Ronaldo and Messi makes them stronger as a collective.
Speaking to GQ Portugal, Silva, who is a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at international level with Portugal, 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 Aguero , older players, all strong names, especially in the 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 make 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.’
Pressed further about his comments about not having a Messi or Ronaldo figure, Silva stressed that City don’t have a player who they always look to pass the ball to so that he can score.
Silva said: ‘That is not really what I mean. I mean that we don’t have a Messi or Cristiano, that clearly is 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.’
Having already won the Carabao Cup this season, City are chasing further glory.
Pep Guardiola’s side are through to the FA Cup final, where they will take on Watford, while they are in second place in the Premier League, two points adrift of leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
City trail Tottenham 1-0 from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie but will be seeking to turn matters around when the sides meet again at the Etihad Stadium next week.
Silva missed the first leg against Tottenham and the 24-year-old will hope to return to action quickly.
This season Silva, who can thrive in midfield or out wide, has been hugely impressive and has scored 11 goals across all competitions, while he has provided 12 assists.