Dias played for the full game while Bernardo figured for an hour before making way with City colleague Joao Cancelo – currently on loan at Barcelona – coming on as a second half substitute
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Dias made a slow start to the game but distributed the ball well. He blocked one shot and played five long balls in a decent outing. Completed the most passes in the match, had little to do on the other side of the ball.
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Silva was silky on the ball and provided an assist for Ramos’ first goal. He passed the ball with 97% accuracy, including two key passes. A more workmanlike performance while wearing the armband. Fernandes was the creator, Pereira the destroyer, and Silva the legs in between. It’s not his natural position, but he plays it well.
Cancelo replaced Semedo and enjoyed some signature roaming runs, and passed well. Still not at his best, but much improved.
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Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol started with City colleague Mateo Kovacic an unused substitute as Croatia secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Armenia in their latest EURO 2024 qualifier.
City central defender Gvardiol played the full 90 minutes.