Kevin De Bruyne Reveals What David Silva Always Told Him in Tough Matches
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed a key piece of advice that his former Manchester City teammate David Silva used to give him during difficult matches—guidance that has helped him throughout his career.
Silva, a City legend who played at the club from 2010 to 2020, was known for his composure, vision, and ability to dictate play even under pressure. His experience and leadership played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success, and De Bruyne has now shared the words of wisdom that Silva often reminded him of in tense moments.
What David Silva Told De Bruyne
Speaking in a recent interview, De Bruyne recalled how Silva always encouraged him to remain calm and trust his instincts, no matter how challenging the situation.
“David always told me, ‘Keep the ball, stay patient, and control the game. Even when things get tough, don’t force it—trust your quality, and the game will open up.’”
This simple but crucial advice shaped De Bruyne’s approach to high-pressure matches. In situations where City struggled to break down opponents or were under intense defensive pressure, Silva’s words reminded him to stay composed and play with intelligence rather than rushing decisions.
Silva’s Influence on De Bruyne
During their time together at Manchester City, Silva and De Bruyne formed one of the most technically gifted midfield partnerships in Premier League history. Silva, nicknamed “El Mago” (The Magician), had an incredible ability to control games with his movement and passing, while De Bruyne added dynamism, long-range passing, and goal contributions.
Silva’s leadership extended beyond his technical ability. His calm demeanor and vast experience made him a guiding figure in the dressing room, and De Bruyne absorbed many lessons from playing alongside him.
“David was never the loudest player, but when he spoke, everyone listened,” De Bruyne said. “He understood the game better than most, and his advice always made sense. He taught me to slow down when necessary and not to panic even when the opposition was pressing hard.”
Applying Silva’s Advice in Big Matches
De Bruyne has since become the leader of Manchester City’s midfield, often carrying the creative burden for the team. In crucial moments—whether in Premier League title races, Champions League knockouts, or cup finals—he has displayed the composure and intelligence that Silva instilled in him.
One notable example came in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan. With City struggling to find space against a well-organized defense, De Bruyne remained patient, keeping possession and waiting for the right moment to attack. His ability to dictate the tempo, much like Silva did in his prime, played a vital role in City’s eventual victory.
A Legacy That Lives On
Silva may have left Manchester City in 2020, but his impact on De Bruyne and the team remains. His advice continues to influence how City’s midfielders approach tough games, emphasizing patience, control, and trust in their abilities.
For De Bruyne, Silva’s words are more than just tactical instructions—they are a philosophy that has helped him become one of the best midfielders of his generation. And as he continues to lead City, he now passes on those same lessons to the next generation of players.
