Manchester City legend Gareth Barry beleives Bernardo Silva and Gianluigi Donnarumma could be key to their success.

When it comes to Manchester City, Erling Haaland often tends to get the limelight because of his exceptional performances in the final third. But Gareth Barry believes there are players who are more important than the former Borussia Dortmund striker.

As per the former City star, Bernardo Silva and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who are both an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, could end up playing a significant part in their success moving forward.

While speaking to GiveMeSport about players who could define City’s seasons, the 44-year-old suggested Silva and Donnarumma could make the difference. Silva, who was linked with a move away from the club during the summer, remains an integral part of their plans.

Barry on Silva’s importance

The Portuguese international might be on the wrong side of 30, but he certainly is one of the most dependable players under Guardiola. He has a very similar playing style to that of David Silva, and after being written off last season, the former Monaco sensation could now make the difference going forward.

Barry said: “I think there are a lot of similarities between the two. It’s not just the name, but the size, the left foot and the way he plays. There are definite similarities for me and what’s interesting is that he was one of the names who were written off last year. The rumours were that he was on his way out of the club.

“But, to me, he looks hungry, he looks like he’s playing with a point to prove – and that’s the sign of a top professional. That attitude of: ‘I’ll show people I’m not done. I’ve still got a few seasons in me’. And he’s producing the goods as well. Given the squad that they’ve got there, that’s a good sign.”

While his contract runs out at the end of the season and his future remains up in the air, Silva seems to be very hungry to prove himself and showcase that he is not done yet.

He wants to show the people that he is not done yet, and he has certainly been producing the desired results of late. Apart from the veteran midfielder, summer signing Donnarumma could be the other top player who ends up making a difference for City this season.

Why Manchester City signed Donnarumma?

Barry further added: “Manchester City are gelling together really well. They’re looking a lot more solid. But the slickness in their play seems to be because they are controlling games a lot more than they were last year. It’s not only that. I think one of their best pieces of business was signing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“They bought James Trafford back – and it’s a bit of a shame for him – but they obviously saw something in Donnarumma that they needed. It wasn’t even just his ability as a goalkeeper. But it’s the character of the bloke – look at the clubs he has played for, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain – and the size of him.

“It has brought a steadiness at the back. He looks like he has been playing at Manchester City for years, which is difficult for a goalkeeper coming into that club and also in that position.

“It’s not always easy to do that. He has started very well, it’s settled down the whole defence – and if they can keep that going, they can still have a say in the title race.

“It probably did need freshening up during the summer. They went about their business quietly – and I think they will lift a trophy again this season.”

Despite having re-signed James Trafford, City jumped at the opportunity to sign Donnarumma as Pep Guardiola was desperate to bolster the goalkeeping position. While the AC Milan graduate isn’t an ideal fit for his system, the Italian international has already had an impact on the pitch.

He has been in goal in nine outings, and they have only lost one of them. He has only conceded five goals and has kept a clean sheet in five of those outings.

Apart from his ability as a goalkeeper, his character as a player might be one of the biggest reasons why City invested in him despite having signed Trafford. Given how impactful Silva and Donnarumma have been, the duo’s performances could have a big say on how far they can go in the title race.