5 players who need to step up for Manchester City in De Bruyne's absence

Bernardo Silva

Time for Bernardo Silva to prove his worth?

The Portuguese winger did not get a lot of game time last season and spent most of it playing second fiddle to players ahead of him.

He has, however, started this season in an advanced midfield position and has already provided goal-scoring returns. He looks really sharp at the moment and has been praised by manager Pep Guardiola for his match fitness.

This perhaps might be the season for Silva to make his mark at City and there is no better time to impress than in the absence of their star man. City fans would want nothing more than to see him carry the responsibility to attack and prove himself to be a reliable asset.

He will not be playing in De Bruyne's usual position but will force a tactical shift to City's usual style if successful - something that Guardiola does effectively and with ease.