Lionel Messi was comparable in stature to Bernardo Silva, according to Pep Guardiola, when the midfielder scored twice in Manchester City’s 6-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Jeremy Doku recorded a single goal and four assists in the 6-1 victory over Bournemouth, which was secured by Bernardo in either half.

The Portuguese midfielder scored his first goal off the first of Doku’s four assists, and then set up the second with an exquisite chip past Bournemouth goalkeeper Ionut Radu.

Guardiola responded to a question regarding Silva’s status among the top players in the Premier League or Europe by stating, “In the world.” I repeated that statement numerous times.

“He took a good shot from a short corner, and after the first goal, the second appears to be Messi’s doing with the chipping. At that moment, I recalled how frequently Messi had performed that action.

“Perhaps that is an excessive compliment to him!” He, however, merits it.”

Doku, meanwhile, completed four dribbles, which was more than the entire Bournemouth squad combined on Saturday. However, Guardiola lauded the young winger’s decision-making as the most impressive quality he has observed.

“We anticipated the one-on-one; what surprised me the most was his deft dribbling ability,” the City manager explained to Sky Sports.

“The extra pass decision he made gave the impression that he fully comprehended the situation.” His knowledge of the game is extraordinary.”