Manchester City did the unthinkable last season when they won the Premier League title and reached 100 points. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi were some of their top performers as they helped City achieve this impossible feat. But one of Pep Guardiola’s most important figures, Fernandinho, is usually overlooked.
Fernandinho’s role in the team was as important as the likes of Aguero and De Bruyne. The Brazilian is a versatile anchor in City’s midfield trio. When building up from the back, Fernandinho usually drops in between the two centre-backs, filling in the gap of space when they spread out wider. He remains extremely calm when under pressure and uses his vision and technical ability to find a passing option.
When the team moves forward, Fernandinho roams into free spaces and acts as a passing option. If he gets the ball, the Brazilian is constantly on the lookout for either a long or short passing option. He can also dictate play by releasing both wingers with pinpoint through balls. In addition, he can also play vertical passes when the passing lanes in the midfield are shut.
As of now, Fernandinho doesn’t look like a man who could be forced out of the line-up but he’s the oldest player in Guardiola’s starting XI.
A recent report from Evening Standard claims that Manchester City had two failed bids for Jorginho and Fred, who went on to join Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. Both these players were earmarked by Pep as long-term replacements for Fernandinho (h/t Evening Standard).
Now, the City board must look elsewhere to find a successor. A younger player should be brought in to learn under the Brazilian and eventually take his place as a versatile No.6. Here, we look at two players who could replace the Fernandinho in the future.
The 24-year-old Gabon international only moved to St Mary’s a year ago but he enjoyed a fine debut season with the south coast outfit, making 25 appearances in the Premier League. He was arguably one of their brightest sparks in an otherwise forgettable season, with the former Juventus man controlling and dominating the middle of the park.
He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is adept at breaking up play and marshalling the Saints’ backline. The fact that he is just 24 and has many years ahead of him, should make him an exciting prospect for the Cityzens.
Julian Weigl is a classic deep-lying playmaker and is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. His passing is reminiscent of the most technical players in the world.
The 22-year-old German’s lofted long balls are as accurate and awe-inspiring to watch. His ability to control the tempo of the game by sitting at the base of midfield is admirable as well. Weigl struggled with injuries in the past season but that didn’t stop him from being one of Dortmund’s most important players.
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His game is quite similar to that of Sergio Busquets’ in the sense that he methodically controls the spaces between the midfield and the defence.
