Manchester City fans are delighted with the performance of Fernandinho as a central defender during the 3-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League .
John Stones suffered a muscle injury in training which left Pep Guardiola short of options in central defence following Aymeric Laporte's surgery.
Nicolas Otamendi was the only recognised central defender at the club and while there was talk in pre-season of Fernandinho slotting into defence, it was considered an option rather than a necessity.
Nevertheless, Guardiola opted to field the Brazilian in his back four for City's opening fixture in this season's Champions League against his former club Shakhtar Donetsk.
City cruised to victory in Ukraine and Fernandinho helped keep a clean sheet, barely putting a foot wrong.
He is set to retain his place in the starting XI for the Premier League fixture against Watford and City fans took to social media to assess his first game at the back.
All-rounder
Impressive
Composed
Solid
Rock at the back
Fortunate
Masterclass
