This summer, we signed Fernando from Porto for a decent fee at around £12 million. Against Everton, we saw exactly why he was so heavily sought by Pellegrini and the board. Fernando was consistently tracking back and providing extra cover to our current and somewhat shaky, back four. He showed strength and intelligence. Time after time he was back providing cover, and launching attacks connecting with Silva, Nasri, and Navas.
Fernando has been hampered with injuries so far, but we really saw what he is capable of against a very physical Everton side. With Yaya Toure gone for the AFCON, Fernando will step in alongside Fernandinho and take up a defensive role. Not only does Fernando provide extra cover to the back four, he allowed Fernandinho to progress into attack as well as getting back to defend. Fernandinho, who headed in the opener, really impresses in his attacking and defensive intent. This improvement is due in a big part to the inclusion of Fernando.
In the coming weeks, we play two huge games that could decide where the Premier League title will end up. We start at the Etihad, with Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal coming this Sunday. Against Arsenal, Fernando will be placed with the responsibility of keeping Sanchez quiet in the middle of the field and making sure there is no progression from the Arsenal midfield. However, Fernando’s role should not be solely to keep Sanchez quiet, but also to make sure Oxlade-Chamberlain doesn’t have room to operate. The Ox had a great game against Stoke and should be kept a watch on.
After Arsenal visit we have what is arguably the biggest game if the season. We will be traveling to Chelsea, the league leaders. Last time out, history was made. Zabaleta saw red, we went 1-0 down and nothing seemed to be going our way. But, maybe it was. Frank Lampard had been sent on, with the instruction to score and that’s exactly what he did. The Chelsea legend scored in the 87th minute to level the game and give City a valuable point. This time round, we will hope it doesn’t come down to a late equalizer.
We play Chelsea on January 31st, which therefore means, unless the Ivory Coast don’t make it past the group stages, Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony will still be at the AFCON. This being said, we will need someone else to step in and enforce the same way that Yaya does. And again, Fernando will be the man to do so. He will provide cover, yet again, to the back four and his physicality will be very important. Against the likes of Fabregas and Matic, we have seen that if you close them down and don’t let them get free, Chelsea aren’t as strong. Here comes Fernando. With Matic and Fabregas being closed down superbly against Sunderland, we saw just why they are so pivotal to Chelsea’s success.
With Yaya Toure gone, Fernando will have the responsibility of stepping into the middle of the park, and taking control against his opponents. In the coming weeks, he will be pivotal to City’s success.
