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da betcris： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
“I didn’t have doubts.”
After seeing him deliver a stellar performance in an unfamiliar role against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola lauded Fernandinho’s ability to adapt. Manchester City’s injury crisis has left them desperately short of options at centre-back, and the Brazilian was thrust into the deep end in the Champions League.
Speaking after the Citizens’ resounding 3-0 victory in Ukraine, Guardiola pointed to the holding midfielder’s “intelligence” as the main reason behind why he looked so comfortable in the heart of defence.
“That’s why he is so important for us. We don’t have many choices. I think he is the only one I have (at centre-back). Other players can play in that position but Fernandinho is a clever player and so intelligent – an incredible guy. Of course he has a lot of experience and personality, and what he says the people follow him in the locker room so it’s important.”
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And when looking at the numbers behind his performance against his former club, it is clear to see why the Brazilian was singled out for praise by his manager.
As is to be expected with having a midfielder by trade dropping into centre-back, the passing numbers were very impressive. The 34-year-old looked understandably at ease with the ball at his feet, but he also proved he can read the game particularly well too. The Brazilian registered two interceptions over the course of the game, whilst his 5 foot 9 stature didn’t seem to matter much as he won three aerial duels too.
And that second stat is perhaps what Guardiola should be most intrigued about. The stereotypical centre-back is a 6 foot plus beast who barges and bullies opposition players off the ball and hoofs it into row Z. But just like he did with Javier Mascherano in his time at Barcelona, it could be the perfect time for the City boss to fully convert Fernandinho into a central defender.
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The former belied his physical flaws with an exceptional reading of the game, with former Blaugrana teammates like Gerard Pique and Dani Alves hailing his “intelligence”. Sound familiar?
Fernandinho’s equally masterful ability to break down opposition attacks by simply being in the right place at the right time – last season he averaged 2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League – shows he can be the latest Guardiola tactical masterpiece.
If the Spaniard can succeed in his project of converting the Brazil international into a bona-fide centre-back like Mascherano, City may well have an in-house solution to all their defensive worries.