Manchester City have acquired a gem. Of all the four players — Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, Steven Jovetic and Fernandinho — the club have bought this summer, the last mentioned perhaps would have caught the least eye balls. With the first two being Spanish internationals, they are bound to evince interest, the third — a Montenegrin forward had been courted by almost all the big names in Europe. But the acquisition of Brazilian Fernandinho, despite his country of origin, was somehow not considered a top buy. Perhaps, that Fernandinho had not featured for Selecao at the Conderations Cup and at the age of 28, is not the youngest of recruits by City all factored in.
However, with one round of the English Premier League now behind us, few would still doubt why new manager Manuel Pellegrini bought the central midfielder. In the game against Newcastle United, the Brazilian was simply majestic.
He gelled in superbly with his Ivory Coast counterpart Yaya Toure as if it was a mid-season match.
Fernandinho’s imp-act in the EPL would not be a surprise for those who have watched Shakthar Donetsk last season. The Ukrainian giants were scintillating in the early rounds of the Champions League, with their quick short-passing game gaining laurels from many. A lot of that credit goes to Fernandinho, who orchestrated the performance from the middle of the park.
Against Newcastle, Fernandinho proved a perfect partner for the mighty Ivory Coast international. When Toure ventured forward, the Brazilian kept it tight in the middle and when the former stuck to his starting position, Fernandinho drifted ahead, finding forwards with his excellent ball distribution.
It is a sad part of football that strikers often get all the limelight but the truth is, a game is won in the midfield. Fortunately for City, with Fernandinho in the squad, they are at an advantage.