Copyright GIVEMESPORT
Gareth Barry says Manchester City’s little and large combination have been an irresistible force this season. The former Premier League title-winner has pinpointed the players he believes are having a huge impact on Pep Guardiola’s men this season. Barry looked beyond Erling Haaland’s goals and singled out two players who he feels have a point to prove for different reasons. One because his time was reportedly coming to an end at the Etihad Stadium, while the other has just arrived. Barry Adamant Silva and Donnarumma are Influential Ex-England midfielder Barry, who spent four seasons with Manchester City, has insisted that Bernardo Silva has been every bit as influential as his namesake, David, who Barry spent three seasons playing alongside. Barry said: “I think there are a lot of similarities between the two. It’s not just the name, but the size, the left foot and the way he plays. There are definite similarities for me and what’s interesting is that he was one of the names who were written off last year. The rumours were that he was on his way out of the club. “But, to me, he looks hungry, he looks like he’s playing with a point to prove - and that’s the sign of a top professional. That attitude of: ‘I’ll show people I’m not done. I’ve still got a few seasons in me’. And he’s producing the goods as well. Given the squad that they’ve got there, that’s a good sign.” GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Bernardo Silva made four recoveries during Manchester City's defeat to Aston Villa last weekend Barry, who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa back in 2009, says that the spotlight has been largely kept off the Sky Blues as the focus fell on Liverpool and Arsenal during the early-season fixtures. And he believes a key reason for their appearance once more at the top end of the Premier League table is because of one of their summer imports. He said: “Manchester City are gelling together really well. They’re looking a lot more solid. But the slickness in their play seems to be because they are controlling games a lot more than they were last year. It’s not only that. I think one of their best pieces of business was signing Gianluigi Donnarumma. “They bought James Trafford back - and it’s a bit of a shame for him - but they obviously saw something in Donnarumma that they needed. It wasn’t even just his ability as a goalkeeper. But it’s the character of the bloke - look at the clubs he has played for, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain - and the size of him. “It has brought a steadiness at the back. He looks like he has been playing at Manchester City for years, which is difficult for a goalkeeper coming into that club and also in that position. “It’s not always easy to do that. He has started very well, it’s settled down the whole defence - and if they can keep that going, they can still have a say in the title race. “It probably did need freshening up during the summer. They went about their business quietly - and I think they will lift a trophy again this season.” Silva and Donnarumma, who are on contracts worth a combined total of £550,000-per-week before bonuses, could next be in action when Manchester City make the trip to Swansea City for a Carabao Cup fourth round clash on Wednesday.
