Bernard has shone in the Premier League in recent weeks but will the Everton winger follow in the footsteps of Manchester City’s £43m superstar?
Don Hutchison has compared Bernard to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva and believes the Everton winger will be even better when he embarks on a second Premier League campaign, while speaking to Sky Sports (9 April, 12:00pm).
Everton pulled off a coup when they signed an established Brazilian international on a free last summer, with Bernard making the move to Goodison Park after his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk expires.
The 26-year-old is currently enjoying his best run of form in a Toffees shirt, scoring his first Premier League goal against West Ham United before starring in Sunday’s deserved 1-0 win against Arsenal on Merseyside.
A diminutive and skilful wide man who loves to influence the game when cutting inside, Bernard certainly shares a few similarities with Manchester City’s £43 million star Silva.
Like the Portugal international, Bernard should be even more influential when he gets a full pre-season under his belt – a point Hutchison is keen to make.
“Bernard has had a terrific second-half to the season,” said the former Everton midfielder.
“He was a little bit slight coming from Shakhtar in the summer and we didn’t know if he was going to cut it in the Premier League.
“But he has got stronger and I guarantee you, not that he will necessarily be as good as Bernardo Silva, but you will see a stronger player next season.
“You will see someone that has got his Premier League legs and will be better next season.”
Bernardo Silva has shone in his second season under Pep Guardiola and if Bernard follows in the footsteps of his near namesake, the Samba star could be one of the Premier League’s most inspired free agent signings.
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