The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and Opinions4. Fernandinho
Like Willian, Fernandinho came to the Premier League from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2013 for a fee of around £30 million. The central midfielder was one of Manuel Pellegrini’s first signings for Man City and he arrived in the Premier League with a reputation as a tough tackling midfielder.
Fernandinho had an impressive first season with the club, proving to be an able partner to Yaya Toure in the centre of the Manchester City field as they won the title ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea. Fernandinho played in 33 league games, finding the net five times as he adapted quickly to Premier League football. As well as winning the Premier League in his first season, the Brazilian also helped City to league cup glory meaning he secured two trophies with the club in his first season.
Following his impressive performances, Fernandinho received a call-up the Brazilian World Cup squad, and played a key role in the hosts reaching the semi-finals. Despite his strong first season, Fernandinho faced more competition in his second season with the club, with fellow Brazilian Fernando being recruited to provide competition for him. Fernandinho did not reach the heights for City which he had done in his first season as they finished a distance second in the league to Chelsea.
Fernandinho has bounced back well this season, playing an impressive role as City have enjoyed a flying start. If City are to challenge for European honours then they will need the 30-year-old to be on top form in order to provide a solid base and allow their attacking players to play with freedom.
