"It’s like they have a hammer in the neck" - Pep Guardiola claims one Manchester City star has trait similar to Lionel Messi after Villarreal win

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that Bernardo Silva has a similar footballing trait to Lionel Messi. He believes the Portuguese star has a hammer header, comparable to the Inter Miami captain and Algerian star Riyad Mahrez.

Speaking to the media after the 2-0 win over Villarreal, Guardiola claimed that his height helps Silva with the headers. The Manchester City manager believes that the trait makes him play like Messi on the pitch and said (via One Football):

“I’m pleased Erling scored again and pleased Bernardo scored an incredible header. Bernardo is like Mahrez and Messi. It’s like they have a hammer in the neck, they’re so good. They’re small but they’re so good in the head contact. If you analyse the first half and some moments in the second, we created some good chances. We made a good performance. I know perfectly and the Spanish people know that Villarreal is a top, top team.”

Lionel Messi scored a famous header under Pep Guardiola in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in the 2008/09 season.

Manchester City manager on Lamine Yamal being compared to Lionel Messi

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal being compared to Lionel Messi earlier this season. He believes that it is similar to a young painter being compared to Van Gogh and said (via Barca Blaugranes):

“I think Lamine Yamal should be allowed to develop his career. And when he’s been playing for fifteen years, we’ll decide if he’s better or worse. Let him develop his career. And the fact that he’s being compared to Messi is a big deal. Like if you compare a painter to Van Gogh, they’ll say, wow, he’s not bad, it’s a sign he’s good."

The Manchester City manager continued:

"And that comparison is a sign he’s good. But we have to let him develop his career. And we’ll see. Messi has been a big deal. 90 goals in one season, for 15 years, nonstop, without injury. That’s a big deal. Let him go. Let him go.”

Lamine Yamal has been in fine form for Barcelona since making his debut for the first team. He has been compared with Lionel Messi since and has also been handed the iconic 10 jersey by the Catalan side in the summer after he penned a new deal.