Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Manchester City have created their own good fortune over the last decade by signing their pantheon of greats, and there are statues erected outside of the Etihad to commemorate their outstanding contribution, with Aguero’s the latest to be commissioned.
To be moulded in iron and placed outside the Blues’ stadium is the ultimate tribute that serves as a lasting reminder for the generations to come of the magical moments those players provided, but surely now Fernandinho is reaching that sacred territory.
The Brazilian, then aged 28, arrived in Manchester from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of about £30m in 2013, putting an end to his eight-year stay in Ukraine, meaning many City fans didn’t know what to expect, but Fernandinho didn’t take too long to make an impression.
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Fernandinho has been integral to City for eight years, the defensive midfielder has underpinned their every triumph, hunting in the centre of midfield with a ruthless nature yet seemingly personifying class with every touch, tackle and recovery of the ball.
If Aguero and Silva were the brains, the architects of the sublime, and Kompany was the beating heart, then Fernandinho has been City’s lungs, tirelessly working away in the shadows, refusing to relent until possession was won once more, providing the oxygen.
Without oxygen, humans can’t survive, and without possession, this conquering Pep Guardiola side doesn’t function.
Although he’s now entering the autumn of his career at 36-years-old, Fernandinho has delivered consistently excellent performances for City this season, emphatically answering the question whenever called upon by Guardiola in some of the biggest games.
In the absence of Silva, It spoke volumes that the City players and backroom staff elected Fernandinho as their captain, and after Rodri’s misfortune against Brighton, it seems certain he’ll lead the Blues into battle in the Champions League final on Saturday.
While above all Fernandinho has proved his worth on the pitch, his leadership qualities are said to be the driving force behind this City side, and there was a brilliant moment against Everton that proved why it’s vital he extends his stay in Manchester for another season.
When Richarlison was brought down by Ruben Dias in the first half, Everton were awarded a penalty and Gylfi Sigurdsson stepped up before having his effort palmed away by Ederson, but who was the first to react to the rebound? It was Fernandinho.
Showing a turn of foot, exuberance and passion of a player much his junior, Fernandinho flew into the box, making it across to the goal line to protect Ederson as Kyle Walker blocked the follow up to clear the danger and send the ball for a corner.
It’s thought City will announce Fernandinho’s one-year contract extension after the Champions League final but make no mistake, he deserves it, and that moment simply encapsulated everything that makes Guardiola’s captain so great.
