Manchester City must keep Bernardo Silva for next season and beyond | OneFootball

If one player typifies the sacrifice and willingness to do whatever it takes for his team it’s Bernardo Silva. Across Manchester City’s era of dominance, Bernardo has been a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. No role has been beneath the Portuguese international and although other players get the credit for their performances over City’s spell of success, Bernardo has been as important as any other player in what Manchester City have achieved. But there is also an edge to the diminutive midfielder, and that plus his versatility and quality as a player, should see City aim to keep Bernardo Silva at the club for next season and beyond.

The edge that defines Bernardo Silva as a player came out when he spoke after Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Bernardo was asked if Manchester City’s squad was too old. In quotes relayed by John Cross for the Mirror, he told the media: “Tell me, which player? Give me names. That’s people that don’t understand the game. I’m 30 years old, [Mateo] Kovacic is 30 years old. You’re not talking about guys that are 36. So we have six bad months or four bad months, and out of nowhere, we’re old, we’re not good enough.”

“In the last eight seasons, we’ve won six Premier Leagues, and for four bad months, we’re old? I’m asking you. You asked me the question so I answered. That’s people that don’t understand the game, never played the game and probably don’t understand a thing about football.”

“We’re going to prove them wrong. We have time for that. We’re a bit late for this season, just maybe in a few competitions, but we’ll be back, don’t worry.”

Bernardo Silva has a role to play in Manchester City’s rebuild and his defiance further adds to that case.

Key players will depart Manchester City this summer. That’s the reality of the situation the world champions are facing. Who that will be remains to be seen. But for me, Bernardo Silva shouldn’t be one of them. This season, Bernardo has appeared fatigued as the legacy of battles fought and won, and playing so much football over such a prolonged period looks to have caught up to him. But you do feel that with a break Bernardo Silva could return to this best. His case is different to that of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan for example. But there is another factor to consider in why Bernardo Silva should remain at Manchester City for next season.

Listening to him speak after Manchester City’s win there is an edge and a defiance to Bernardo Silva’s words. That edge is an underrated aspect of what made Pep Guardiola’s side so great for so long. Pep Guardiola’s side has been lauded for their attractive and free-flowing football for years. But there is an edge to them when they’re at their best. Bernardo Silva typifies this. That cannot immediately be replaced, and in some players, it has to be developed. Bernardo Silva has it, and when you add that to his versatility and quality as a player, the case for him to remain at Manchester City for next season is almost overwhelming.

Bernardo Silva showed his defiant side when he spoke after Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth. That edge and defiance makes him the player that he is. Looking at how Manchester City will undertake their rebuild you sense that it will be a crucial element to Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. For that reason he should be a part of Manchester City’s rebuild so he can help City’s younger players and new signings learn what it takes to build an era of dominance.