Bernardo Silva: Still Manchester City's glue, brains and heartbeat

Pep Guardiola still regards Bernardo Silva as indispensable - and the secret is his subtlety

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:25am

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Bernardo Silva is a vital part of Manchester City's success, even if his contributions are not always obvious. The 31-year-old midfielder has made 450 appearances for the club, the most of any player under Pep Guardiola's management. Silva's ability to orchestrate play, win back possession, and guide his teammates through difficult moments is crucial to City's dominance, even if he doesn't always grab the headlines.

Why it matters

Bernardo Silva's importance to Manchester City highlights the value of players who may not be the flashiest stars but are essential to a team's success. His leadership, work rate, and tactical awareness have helped City maintain their position as one of the top teams in the Premier League, even as the squad has undergone significant changes in recent years.

The details

Despite not scoring or assisting in Manchester City's 4-0 win over Liverpool, Bernardo Silva was the only one of the starting front six players to remain on the pitch at the final whistle. His ability to control the tempo of the game, organize the defense, and initiate counterattacks is vital to City's success. Pep Guardiola and his assistant Pep Lijnders have both praised Silva's importance, with Lijnders saying 'there's not many like him' in terms of his understanding of the game and ability to do what the team needs.

  • Bernardo Silva made his 450th appearance for Manchester City on Saturday, 69 more than the next most-used player in Guardiola's managerial career, Kevin De Bruyne.

The players

Bernardo Silva

A 31-year-old midfielder who is a vital part of Manchester City's success, known for his ability to orchestrate play, win back possession, and guide his teammates through difficult moments.

Pep Guardiola

The manager of Manchester City, who has consistently regarded Bernardo Silva as an indispensable player for the team.

Pep Lijnders

The assistant manager of Manchester City, who previously worked as an assistant to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has praised Bernardo Silva's understanding of the game and ability to do what the team needs.

Erling Haaland

A Manchester City player who scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Liverpool.

Antoine Semenyo

A Manchester City player who scored a goal and provided an assist in the 4-0 win over Liverpool.

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What they’re saying

“He's my weakness. My favourite one. He knows exactly what we need to play better, (more) fluid. Having a special sense of competing.”

— Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager

“I didn't like him before. Now I love him. The way he feels the game, what's needed. There's not many like him; when to drop, when to make a move 20 metres away from Rodri.”

— Pep Lijnders, Manchester City Assistant Manager

What’s next

Bernardo Silva's contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the summer, and if this is his final six weeks with the club, he will hope to end it with another trophy or two.

The takeaway

Bernardo Silva's importance to Manchester City's success highlights the value of players who may not always grab the headlines but are essential to a team's overall performance. His leadership, work rate, and tactical awareness have been crucial to City's dominance in recent years, and his departure would leave a significant void in the squad.