Fernandinho is the 'ultimate' defensive-midfielder of his generation, according to former Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.
The Brazilian arrived in Manchester from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 and has since gone on to become one of City's most important players.
Fernandinho even showed his versatility by stepping in at centre-back when he was needed last season as the Blues suffered from injuries and a lack of options in defence.
Although, now 35 and reaching the twilight of his career, he has been overtaken by Rodri as the first choice at the base of midfield, Dunne still rates Fernandinho highly.
“He’s the ultimate defensive midfielder in this era,” Dunne told City's official website. “Having him as the organiser is so, so valuable. Even when he plays centre-half, he’s missed in midfield!
“He does it brilliantly well and doesn’t look out of place, but you can tell he’s not in the midfield.”
Fernandinho has been limited to just seven appearances so far this season due to a thigh injury, but he made his return to action in Wednesday's narrow victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Another former City star, Paul Dickov, believes his comeback is a massive boost for the club.
He said: "Fernandinho has been sorely missed when he’s out. He didn’t get the credit that he deserved initially, but he’s the unsung hero of the team really.
“He breaks things up and lets the [Kevin] De Bruynes and [Raheem] Sterlings do what they do. The last four or five years he’s sat in deep midfield and been one of the best midfielders in the world.”
