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Everton boss Marco Silva wants Bernard to be more selfish in attacking positions

Bernard of Everton celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Watford FC at Goodison Park on August...
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The Everton boss was speaking after the winger netted at the weekend.

Bernard of Everton celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Watford FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Everton manager Marco Silva is hoping that Bernard builds on his goal at the weekend and shows a more ruthless streak in future matches, the official club website reports.

Bernard netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory at home to Watford on Saturday, drifting in from the left wing to power a low shot past a helpless Ben Foster.

It was a smashing effort and indicative of the kind of contribution he can make if he has a bit more attacking ambition on the ball.

For Silva, it’s something he’s been looking for from the player for a while.

As quoted by EvertonFC.com, the Goodison Park boss explained: “It is something I am demanding every single day from him.

“We know Bernard is a player with high technical quality, giving us very good things and providing assists. But I want him to be more hungry to score.

“In some moments – it is maybe not the right word – I want him to be more selfish.”

Bernard scored just two goals last term, so it’s easy to see why Silva might be looking for a better contribution for the Brazilian.

He had scored 10 for Shaktar Donetsk in the season prior to his arrival on Merseyside.

Bernard of Everton celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Watford FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Perhaps though the goal against Watford will be a big early confidence boost for the 26-year-old.

It’s not often a manager will publicly call for one of his players to be less team-focused and more intent on having a pop at goal, so Bernard should have the freedom to be a bigger goal threat heading deeper into the season.

Going by his contribution at the weekend, he certainly has the ability in his locker.

Can he change his attitude and mentality and emerge as a huge goal threat for the Toffees?