Is Fernandinho the most important player in the Premier League?

City could struggle if he misses any action

Manchester City served up another feast of football in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth to maintain their Premier League lead.

Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane were the stars of the show, but as ever, Fernandinho played an influential role at the Etihad.

He knits everything together in midfield. The Brazilian’s ability to break up opposition moves and quickly get the team moving forwards is vital to the way they play. No City player has seen more top-flight minutes during Pep Guardiola’s time at the Etihad.

City are 2/9 to defend their league title and 10/3 favourites in the Champions League. Everything seems to be going smoothly right now. But if anything is going to derail their season, it could be an injury to Fernandinho.

Lack of alternatives

Playing alongside the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho isn’t the most talented member of City’s squad. But he may be the hardest to replace.

De Bruyne hasn’t started a league game this season and City haven’t missed a beat. Guardiola has plenty of alternatives in attacking areas. He’s spoilt for choice at centre-back, while Danilo and Fabian Delph offer cover in the full-back spots.

But there isn’t really a natural replacement for Fernandinho in that defensive midfield role. Ilkay Gundogan and Delph have both filled in before, but neither are an ideal fit. They don’t have the veteran’s intuitive understanding of the position.

Need for a break