Alan Shearer was wowed by a “perfect” derby performance of Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.
Writing for the Sun, the Premier League legend was blown away by City’s display as they pulled two points clear at the top with a 3-1 triumph against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
“At the centre of it all was the perfect midfield performance from Fernandinho,” Shearer told the Sun. “He controlled the game, won the ball back, broke it up when United did manage to get the ball and was strong in the tackle.
OPINION
Fernandinho has remained below the radar for most of his five years at Manchester City. When the pundits queue up to heap praise on the wonderful side assembled by Pep Guardiola, they usually hail the attacking stars, the rampaging full-backs, even the centre-backs and goalkeeper ahead of the midfield destroyer. Fernandinho doesn’t look like the sort of player who would care too much. Everything he does on the pitch is to help his team win. There is not an iota of selfishness or ego about his game, it is all about following the instructions of his manager to the letter and getting his side over the finish line. In style. With Kevin De Bruyne a long-term absentee, there has been even greater emphasis on Fernandinho delivering the goods, and he has not disappointed. Like another 33-year-old playing some of the best football of his career, David Silva, there is no sign that age is catching up with the lesser light who is finally taking centre stage.