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Another game, another special performance by City’s heartbeat, Fernandinho. The man is probably the first name on the team sheet for Pep Guardiola.
The way he outmanoeuvred both the Arsenal attack and the midfield, he made them look like men against boys. The Brazilian constantly played in multiple positions throughout the game; integrating into a back four when Man City were under the cosh while once the ball was won, he would be the one to initiate their attacks.
Fernandinho’s positional play and his innate understanding of Pep’s system makes him stand out in such a fantastic team. His importance was visibly evident when Man City suffered back to back losses at the hands of Crystal Palace and Leicester City at the end of December in absence of the Brazilian.
Subsequently, Fernandinho returned for the top of the table clash against Liverpool and stamped his authority with a Man of the Match display. It speaks volumes about the man, as in a match containing the best attacking players of the league, it was the Brazilian who took the game by the scruff of the neck.
Despite all the adulations, Pep will be silently worried about the fact that his midfield general turns 34 in May. He knows that the Brazilian won’t be able to go on forever, so he needs a younger alternative, a player who can learn from the master and go on and replicate his successes.
On that note, we take a look at five players that the Citizens can target for replacing the Brazilian:
#5 Ilkay Gundogan
What if City already possesses Fernandinho’s alternative within their own ranks? Ilkay Gundogan might just be the player who steps up and replaces his club-mate. There’s a starting advantage of already being familiar with Guardiola’s demands.
The German international possesses the same if not a better set of attacking qualities as Fernandinho, but it is his defensive contributions that need a bit of improvement. Working on improving his tactical awareness and a better reading of the game could help Gundogan reach his teammate’s levels.
Yet, his recent performance against Arsenal suggests he could learn the trade quicker than expected. The only factor that could hinder his progression is his long tryst with injuries.
A series of serious back and knee injuries during his time both at Dortmund and City means Pep can never fully trust the midfielder to stay fit for an entire season.
If fit, the tenacious midfielder could be a great choice for Guardiola to replace Fernandinho as he loves an intelligent midfielder, be it Busquets at Barcelona or Philipp Lahm at Bayern.
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#4 Roberto Gagliardini
Second up is Italian international Roberto Gagliardini, who plays for Serie A giants Inter Milan. Gagliardini started his career with Atalanta before a series of loan moves helped him refine his game.
As a result, Inter took a punt on him and signed him up in the 2017 winter window. The young boy immediately showcased his talents as he became a regular starter for the Nerazzurri before a slow start to the ongoing season meant, he found his place on the bench.
As critics point towards the loss of form, it is sometimes important to take younger players out of the limelight so that they can re-focus on their game. In fact, this might do wonders for the kid.
Speaking of the 24-year old’s qualities, Gagliardini has a strong defensive game, carries the ball well, while also contributing creativity from midfield and most importantly, comfortable in a 4-3-3.
Such qualities make the kid an all-rounder but a lack of top-level experience dilutes a bit of the excitement. Yet, a chance to groom the youngster might just tempt the Cityzens to take a punt on the Italian.
#3 Marten de Roon
Marten de Roon is a part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s wonderfully exciting Atalanta team, that lead the charts for the most goals scored (47) in Serie A, precisely one more than the Cristiano Ronaldo led Juventus team.
For those of who don’t know the Dutchman, de Roon spent the 2016-17 Premier League season with a struggling Middlesbrough side that finished second from bottom. Despite the midfielder’s shining performances, it was rather baffling as to why no Premier League side showed an interest in him.
Excellent defensively and as a reader of the game but contributes less offensively as compared to Fernandinho, time is still on the 27-year old’s side to improve the attacking facet of his game.
Having made his international debut for the Dutch National team in 2018, de Roon is the most left-field choice amongst the others on this list. Yet, there is a sense that under Guardiola’s tutelage, the Dutchman has the necessary skill set to make the step up.
#2 Tanguy Ndombele
Lyon have had a long history of producing wonderful young talents before selling them for huge profits. Tanguy Ndombele is the latest youngster in the line.
Although Ndombele started his career with Amiens, it was at Lyon that the youngster garnered international recognition. Physically speaking, Ndombele has the capability to dominate any midfield but it his finesse on the ball that sets him apart from other physical beasts.
Although the young Frenchman is more adept playing in a double pivot, Ndombele has developed a well-rounded game, knowing when to attack and when to sit back and cover. The 22-year old showcased his full range of talents at the Etihad back in September when Lyon beat Pep’s men 2-1 in the Champions League encounter.
Lyon’s tendency to switch constantly to the flanks to the likes of Depay and Traore means, the Frenchman has developed a good passing range, similar to the level produced by Fernandinho.
Despite having a tough ask of potentially replacing the Brazilian, Ndombele has the required attitude and the technical skills to grow into the role.
After a strong showing so far this season, the youngster is likely to command a hefty fee, but that shouldn’t be a stumbling block since the Cityzens usually get whom they want (Alexis being the exception!).
#1 Marcelo Brozovic
Another Inter Milan star, Marcelo Brozovic is at the peak of his career at 26 years of age. With age, comes an experienced leader, a player who has the potential to be a like for like replacement for the Brazilian.
The Croat, who starred for his country in last year’s World Cup, should be the one City should be actively keeping tabs on. Despite being compared to Frank Lampard early in his career, the 26-year old has slightly toned down his attacking instincts, preferring to recycle possession instead.
His lung-busting stamina means the Croat can easily cover every blade of grass for the entire 90 minutes, breaking up play and launching quick attacks similar to Fernandinho.
The Croatian has thus far helped Inter maintain their position in the race for the coveted Champions League Spots. With a contract extension up to 2022, Brozovic won’t be available on the cheap.
But then City signed a 28-year old Fernandinho for £34 million and he hasn’t turned out to be too bad!
