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The efforts of a Manchester City warrior were key to City’s revival

Originally posted on Esteemed Kompany | By Adam Marrett | Last updated May 27, 2025 8:48 AM ET

Manchester City ended the 24/25 season on a 10-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. That run was key in their successful chase to secure Champions League football for next season. There were a host of players that played a key role in Manchester City’s late-season resurgence. Nico O’Reilly and Josko Gvardiol were two players who stepped up when their team needed them the most. Another was Bernardo Silva. His efforts over the closing stages of this season were key for his team and spoke volumes of his continued importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Bernardo Silva played a key role for Manchester City as they claimed a spot in the Champions League.

Earlier this season Bernardo Silva was just one of many Manchester City players that were below their best. From the end of November to the end of January, Bernardo Silva appeared tired from his herculean efforts across previous seasons. He wasn’t alone in the boat. Eventually, the toll of scaling the proverbial mountain was going to catch up to Pep Guardiola’s side. We saw that during the middle stages of the 24/25 season.

But come the end of March Manchester City did appear to come back to life. Their FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth kicked started their revival. From there, Pep Guardiola’s side lifted themselves to a third-place finish in the Premier League. At the heart of that run was Bernardo Silva. He emerged from this season with his reputation intact and perhaps enhanced due to his efforts.

Once again Bernardo Silva reminded everyone of his quality.

Bernardo Silva’s return to form was great to see. Once again he played in a variety of roles for Pep Guardiola to help his team secure Champions League football for next season. Bernardo dropped deep into midfield to help with Manchester City’s build-up play. He also played on a wing and in an advanced role in the final third at times.

Bernardo Silva’s best performance over the final stages of this season arguably came in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad. That game came just days after Manchester City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. They needed to respond to that defeat. Pep Guardiola’s side did and Bernardo Silva was at the heart of it. He got all around the pitch to help his team, and at times, he toyed with Andoni Iraola’s side. It was a typical Bernardo Silva performance and it perfectly encapsulated his efforts over the final stages of the 24/25 season.

Bernardo Silva put in another good display in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. That win and Bernardo’s performance ensured Champions League qualification for Manchester City. It was also a fitting ending to a strong last 8 weeks for Bernardo Silva and his team.

Bernardo Silva remains a key player for Manchester City. He showed that over the closing stages of this season. Entering the off season Bernardo Silva remains a key player in Pep Guardiola’s squad. That is unlikely to change as Manchester City continue their rebuild this summer.

This article first appeared on Esteemed Kompany and was syndicated with permission.

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