Unsung hero (noun) – A person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person who’s bravery is unknown or unacknowledged.
In footballing terms, an unsung hero is a player who, more often than not, will go unnoticed and be taken for granted. Every club has one and Fernando is our very own. City fans do not idolise the Brazilian, nor try to emulate him. Simply, this is because of his unattractive position; a hard-tackling midfielder is just not as captivating as a goal-scorer or a playmaker. Undeservedly, Fernando Reges has escaped a lot of attention, so here I am, singing the praises of a neglected City man.
Fernando is a straightforward bloke; he wears black boots, he doesn’t show off and when the simple ball is on, he takes it. I don’t get excited when he’s on the ball like I don’t get excited when I put my glasses on in the morning. Neither flashy, but needed – and that’s what is important; Fernando is necessary, not supplementary.
Since 2012 City have never really replaced the once sacrificed Nigel De Jong. The beloved Dutchman was a master in his defensive role; he operated in a narrow position and was depended upon to break up opposing counter-attacks when his partner in midfield got caught high up the field. Now, I’m not stating that Fernando is his direct replacement but I am stating that Fernando is City’s only central midfielder who possesses the same defensive sensibilities and in recent weeks has been channeling his ‘inner De-Jong’.
Funnily enough, the similarities between him and the man Fernando actually did replace, Javi Garcia, have been uncanny. Both suffered injuries and a very unimpressive first year, and it was only till late in their second season at City did they grab the attention of the fans. It’s fair to say that Fernando has reproduced the form the ex-City man showed in his second season at Manchester. With the exception of that tired City display at Liverpool, the Brazilian has been successfully shielding a revitalised back four, while allowing others the freedom to probe.
Ultimately, Fernando is the perfect example of how a successful team doesn’t need to be filled with superstars – football is a team game, and Fernando is a team player. So the next time you see Fernando lined up on the team-sheet, do not disregard him as a ‘number-filler’ but be relieved that there’s a man there steadying the City ship.
