Manchester City have a dilemma on their hands about how to deal with the loss of Aymeric Laporte while he is out injured.
Fernandinho has been touted as an option to drop back from midfield, with that scenario coming to fruition as the Citizens faced Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening Champions League game of the season.
The Brazilian was praised by Man City’s official Twitter account for the part he played in the 3-0 victory:
He looked right at home in the back four last night, didn’t he?
#ManCity pic.twitter.com/C63rUHr7d5
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 19, 2019
He also received plenty of plaudits from the club’s supporters, who seemed relieved to have the 34-year-old at the heart of the defence, in what was the club’s third clean sheet of the season, as per WhoScored.
There wasn’t too much defensive work required of him, as he made 2 interceptions and won 3 aerial duels, not needing to make any tackles or clearances, while he was typically comfortable on the ball, completing 90% of his attempted passes.
The indication is that he could be set to play there more often, with Laporte out for up to six months, as reported by The Guardian.
Fernandinho was a key defensive figure for City last season, as he completed 2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 2.4 clearances throughout the Premier League campaign.
A selection of Twitter reaction to his performance, including posts from loving Man City fans, can be seen below:
Fernandinho saving our season, tears in my eyes
— (@CrossingTheBall) September 19, 2019
Captain ©️
Legend pic.twitter.com/oikgheZ3md— ManCity Zimbabwe (@CityZimbabwe) September 19, 2019
Top top class player we are so lucky.- great squad
— eileen fullen (@FullenEileen) September 19, 2019
He sure did!
— Valentine Imaralu (@ivlux01) September 19, 2019
He is a true treasure
— D (@Thenameis_DAN) September 19, 2019
It’s no surprise. @fernandinho is amongst the best players ever to wear a City shirt.
— LG (@uklg) September 19, 2019
Man City fans, is Fernandinho the best option to replace Laporte? Join the discussion by commenting below…
