Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva’s debut in 2017
Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva's debut in 2017
When Bernardo Silva stepped onto the pitch at the Amex Stadium on August 12, 2017, few could have predicted the monumental impact the diminutive Portuguese playmaker would have on English football. Arriving from Monaco for a cool £43 million, Bernardo was the first major piece of the puzzle in what would become Pep Guardiola's "Centurions" season. He replaced Gabriel Jesus in the 83rd minute of a -0 victory over Brighton, marking the start of an era defined by domestic dominance and technical perfection.
That afternoon in Brighton wasn't just another game; it was the birth of the modern Manchester City identity. Pep Guardiola had survived a trophyless first season and was now unleashing his vision. While Bernardo started on the bench, the starting XI that day was a blend of established legends and high-priced new arrivals tasked with conquering the Premier League.
Seven years later, Bernardo Silva is a multi-time Premier League champion and a Champions League winner. But what happened to the ten outfield players and the goalkeeper who paved the way on his debut? Let's take a deep dive into the careers of the "Class of 2017."
The Defensive Foundation: A New Era of Playmaking Keepers
Before 2017, the idea of a goalkeeper being as skilled with his feet as a midfielder was almost alien to the Premier League. Pep Guardiola changed that by signing Ederson, who made his competitive debut alongside Bernardo Silva that day.
- Ederson (Goalkeeper): Still at the club and arguably the most influential goalkeeper in Premier League history. Ederson's debut was a quiet one—a clean sheet against Brighton—but it signaled the end of Claudio Bravo's struggles. Today, he remains City's undisputed number one, having won every trophy available and redefined the "sweeper-keeper" role.
- Kyle Walker (Right-Back): Another debutant that day. Walker was signed from Tottenham to provide the recovery pace City desperately lacked. Fast forward to 2024, and Walker is the club captain. Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains one of the fastest players in the world and a vital part of the City dressing room.
- Vincent Kompany (Center-Back): The legendary captain. In 2017, Kompany was battling injuries but still the heartbeat of the team. After leading City to the domestic treble in 2019, he moved into management. Following a stint at Anderlecht and a record-breaking promotion with Burnley, he is now remarkably the head coach of German giants Bayern Munich.
- John Stones (Center-Back): The "Barnsley Beckenbauer" was in his second season at the club during Bernardo's debut. His journey has been a rollercoaster, from being sidelined to becoming a hybrid midfielder-defender in City's 2023 Treble-winning season. He remains a key figure for both City and England.
- Nicolas Otamendi (Center-Back): Known as "The General," Otamendi was a rock during the 100-point season. He left City in 2020 to join Benfica as part of the Ruben Dias deal. Since then, he has experienced a career Indian summer, captaining Benfica and winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
The Midfield Engine: Where Games Were Won and Lost
The midfield in 2017 was a terrifying prospect for any opponent. Guardiola opted for a fluid system that allowed his "Free 8s" to roam, supported by the tactical intelligence of Fernandinho. This was the blueprint that Bernardo Silva would eventually inherit and master.
Fernandinho: The unsung hero. In 2017, he was the glue that held the attacking talent together. Fernandinho stayed at the Etihad until 2022, leaving as one of the most decorated players in the club's history. He returned to his roots in Brazil, joining Athletico Paranaense, where he continues to play at a high level despite being nearly 40 years old.
Kevin De Bruyne: Already a superstar by 2017, KDB provided the assist for Sergio Aguero's opening goal on Bernardo's debut. Not much has changed in seven years; De Bruyne is still City's primary creator. While injuries have slowed him down recently, his status as one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the English game is secured. He is the last remaining "creative" link to that 2017 starting XI alongside Bernardo.
David Silva: "El Mago." In 2017, David Silva was at the peak of his powers, acting as the mentor for Bernardo. The two Silvas shared a special bond on the pitch. David left City in 2020, having a statue built in his honor outside the stadium. He moved to Real Sociedad, where he performed brilliantly until a cruel ACL injury forced his retirement in 2023. He is now enjoying life away from the spotlight, though he frequently visits Manchester.
The Forward Line: The End of the Traditional Striker?
The front three on Bernardo's debut represented a transitional phase for City. Guardiola was moving away from traditional wingers and experimenting with high-intensity pressing forwards.
- Danilo (Left-Wing Back/Right-Back): Danilo made his debut that day after arriving from Real Madrid. While he was a solid squad player, he never quite established himself as a guaranteed starter. He was traded to Juventus in 2019 in a deal for Joao Cancelo. Interestingly, Danilo has become a mainstay in Turin and is currently the captain of both Juventus and the Brazilian national team.
- Gabriel Jesus: The young Brazilian was the preferred starter over Sergio Aguero for a period in 2017. He provided the energy and pressing Pep demanded. Jesus eventually moved to Arsenal in 2022 in search of more consistent game time. While he has struggled with fitness in North London, he remains a highly respected Premier League forward.
- Sergio Aguero: City's all-time record goalscorer. On Bernardo's debut, it was Aguero who broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. "Kun" stayed until 2021, leaving in tears after a decade of service. His move to Barcelona was tragically cut short by a heart condition, forcing an immediate retirement. Today, Aguero is a massive personality on Twitch and a global ambassador for the club.
Bernardo Silva's Legacy: From Super-Sub to Undisputed Starter
It is fascinating to look back at the substitutes bench from that day. Alongside Bernardo Silva sat Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, and Phil Foden (who was just 17 at the time). The fact that Bernardo only got seven minutes of action shows just how difficult it was to break into that squad.
However, Bernardo's evolution has been the most consistent thread in the Guardiola era. He has played as a right-winger, a false nine, a deep-lying playmaker, and even a left-back. His work rate is legendary, often covering more distance than any other player on the pitch. While many of his teammates from 2017 have moved on to coaching or other leagues, Bernardo remains the heartbeat of the Etihad.
In the 2017/18 season, City finished with 100 points. In 2022/23, they won the Treble. Bernardo was a pivotal part of both. His story is one of patience; he waited for his chance behind David Silva and eventually became the "irreplaceable" player Guardiola often speaks about in press conferences.
Conclusion: The Changing Face of Manchester City
Looking back at the XI from Bernardo Silva's debut is a reminder of how quickly football moves. Of the 11 players who started that day, only three remain at the club: Ederson, Kyle Walker, and John Stones. This reflects Guardiola's philosophy of constant evolution—never allowing a squad to become stagnant.
Yet, the DNA of that 2017 team remains. The technical proficiency, the tactical flexibility, and the winning mentality are still present in the current squad. Bernardo Silva, the man who started on the bench that day in Brighton, is now the custodian of those values. As he continues to link the past with the present, his debut remains a significant marker in the history of Manchester City.
Whether it's Vincent Kompany managing in the Bundesliga or Sergio Aguero streaming to millions, the "Class of 2017" has left an indelible mark on the sport. And at the center of it all is Bernardo Silva, still running, still pressing, and still weaving his magic in a sky-blue shirt.
Where are they now? The Man City XI from Bernardo Silva's debut in 2017
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