Roberto Martinez would have been thrilled with Portugal’s 3-1 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League, where goals from Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, and an own goal from Jan Bednarek secured the victory.
Bernardo’s strike stood out, a brilliant volley off a cushioned header from Bruno Fernandes that gave Portugal an early lead. The Manchester City star, valued at £43 million, started alongside his club teammate Ruben Dias, both of whom have been key figures for Portugal under Martinez, much like they were under former manager Fernando Santos.
While Bernardo was subbed off in the 81st minute, Dias saw the game through, anchoring the defense alongside Chelsea’s Renato Veiga. In midfield, Bernardo played alongside Fernandes and Ruben Neves, while Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao were chosen for the wide roles.
After the game, Martinez highlighted Bernardo’s often-overlooked contributions, noting that attention frequently goes to players who aren’t called up, overshadowing talents like Bernardo and Fernandes. He told RTP 3: “Bernardo Silva can play anywhere, he doesn’t have a fixed position. In the European Championship, he alternated between midfield and the wing. We often focus on players not selected, rather than appreciating those like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.”
In England, pundits such as Gary Neville consistently praise Bernardo, calling him an “amazing player” for his standout performances in the Premier League. Despite his accolades, Bernardo remains an understated figure, avoiding the spotlight as he quietly excels for both Manchester City and Portugal.
This season, the 30-year-old will look to put any lingering doubts to rest. While he’s never seemed one to seek attention, his immense success—including six Premier League titles—suggests he’s always seeking new challenges. Martinez’s words could provide the motivation Bernardo needs to elevate his game further, silencing any remaining critics and solidifying his place among the world’s best.
If he channels that energy on the field after the international break, Bernardo could be on track for yet another memorable season.
