Silva’s sale to Barca would see City lose something they’d struggle to replace

13.7 kilometres. If you were running, that’s the distance from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium and back, plus a little more.

It’s also a quarter of a marathon, but that’s how far Bernardo Silva ran on 3 January 2019 when Liverpool visited Manchester for a potential title decider.

Sergio Agüero scored a typically brilliant opener, Leroy Sané was electric and Fernandinho cut almost everything out at source, but it was the performance of Silva that took all the plaudits – there was not a blade of glass the Portuguese international failed to cover that night.

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His infectious energy is something totally unique to this Manchester City side. While Kevin De Bruyne’s quality has seen him established as one of the world’s best midfielders, Silva is one of the very best in another key department.

Without Silva’s tireless work rate, the Belgian would not have the space to work his magic. He is constantly the first line of press and pushes the opposition backline into their own area and forces them to try and play long – where City’s backline is normally able to recycle possession.

There’s no surprise he is always the City player who has covered the most ground week in, week out. Even making a central defender rush the most simple pass can trigger the next phase of the press and that’s something virtually irreplaceable in European football.

All of this is not to say Silva doesn’t have other qualities. In fact, this season, his eight Premier League goals represent his best return since moving to England and his constant high-quality performances were rewarded with a place in the esteemed PFA Team of the Year.

What it does show, however, is that City must do everything in their power to stop Silva’s potential transfer to Barcelona.

Rumours have emerged suggesting that the player would not turn down the opportunity to move if it presented itself, but Barcelona’s notable financial troubles have made any possibility of this particularly slim. With three years left on his current contract, City are in the driving seat, but have never forced a player to stay against their will.

Silva asked to leave the club last summer, but with no suitors, he got his head down and was a driving force behind City’s fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

His selflessness is what has endeared him to the fanbase and keeping hold of him would significantly improve City’s chances of even more success next season.

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