Man City's Kevin De Bruyne replacement is blossoming with fresh responsibilities

Anyone who doubted the importance of Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City need only listen to Pep Guardiola's reaction when it was announced he would be missing for some time.

"The injury is a blow, a big loss," the Catalonian manager admitted. "He has specific qualities. For a long time is really tough for us." While there was clear frustration, Guardiola provided hope as he added: "We have to look forward. We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it."

Fortunately, this City squad is blessed with talent running deep throughout. But clearly, there was a creative gap left in the team which needed to be filled.

Such is De Bruyne's importance to the team, not one man alone has taken on the entire burden of his creativity. Assists are being shared around the team and Erling Haaland's goal statistics have not dropped as alarmingly with the Belgian out as some may have feared they would.

READ MORE: Bernardo draws Messi comparisons after taking on Guardiola challenge

READ MORE: City player ratings vs AFC Bournemouth

However, one man who is clearly relishing playing in a De Bruyne-esque role this season is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder is becoming a senior figure in the matchday squad and is becoming a source of magic for the Blues.

The performance against Manchester United last weekend was sensational and his brace against AFC Bournemouth had Guardiola thinking he was watching Lionel Messi. While the comparisons to the Argentinian great are flattering, Bernardo is currently having the same impact on this City team as Messi does for whichever team he represents.

Like De Bruyne before him, the Blues can look to Bernardo to produce something magical and his