Bernardo Silva has backed Manchester City teammate Phil Foden to hold down a role in the starting lineup next season.

Despite being provided with 11 outings in the first XI during the current campaign, Foden has made just three starts in the Premier League.

However, once long-serving playmaker David Silva has departed the Etihad Stadium later in 2020, Bernardo feels that the youngster will maintain a spot in central midfield.

The Portuguese is quoted by Bleacher Report as saying: "I think Phil is a fantastic player and has a great future ahead of him.

"If he stays a long time definitely and I think it's a good opportunity for him when David goes for Phil to start to play more and to have a firm position in the team.

"I think it's tough. When you talk about City of course he's unbelievable - a fantastic player and has a huge future ahead of him."

In total, the 19-year-old has made 62 appearances since breaking into the senior setup at City.