While Hansi Flick initially voiced concerns regarding the player's age and the existing congestion in Barca’s offensive ranks, those doubts appear to have been quelled. The German coach has recognised the necessity for a player with Silva’s unique experience, especially given the club's recurring injury issues in the final third.
Flick now views Silva as a vital piece of depth who can provide elite leadership within the dressing room. Crucially, his ability to operate in a variety of roles - either in a three-man midfield or as an inverted winger on the right - would allow the club to manage the workload of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.