When Manchester City moved on from their previous all-time greats in recent years, many could argue a strong case for the time and place being the perfect moment to part ways.
Kevin de Bruyne was moved on at the end of his contract amid concerns over fitness and perhaps his financial outlay in comparison to appearances, while Kyle Walker's performances had taken a serious downturn. Despite intelligence in the middle of the park, Ilkay Gundogan was continuously losing his way from a physical perspective, and the same could be said for Manuel Akanji and possibly John Stones and Nathan Ake in the coming months.
But in the case of Bernardo Silva - who finds himself out of contract at the end of this season - the Portugal international and club captain is continuing to prove his importance to Pep Guardiola's system week after week despite being 31 years old.
Guardiola has continuously trusted Bernardo at the heart of his operation, even in matches many would presume to be intense in the way of running demands across 90 minutes. His intelligence and awareness, as well as longevity, proved most vital in the recent 2-1 win at Liverpool, and once again on Saturday night as City defeated Newcastle 2-1.
Leading the line through his own individual pressing at times, it was Silva's experience and fight for the cause that inspired Manchester City to get over the line in a must-win game following Arsenal's slip-up at Wolves just days earlier.
It is this commitment to the cause, a deep understanding of Guardiola's tactical demands and City's constant need to be successful in both performances and silverware that make Silva a necessity to ensure the ongoing rebuild remains as promising as it has been thus far.
And perhaps thinking further ahead, could the continuity of Silva into another season inspire Guardiola to see out his own contract amid ongoing media conversation around a potential early exit from Manchester City this summer?
How crucial is Silva to City's team? And what would you do about his contract situation at the club?
Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra