Fernandinho enjoying his best season since joining Manchester City

The 2013/14 Premier League season saw the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho at the Etihad stadium.

Four and a half years later, he finds himself with 153 Premier League appearances and one Premier League trophy to his name – and currently on his way to a second.

Back in November, City manager Pep Guardiola lavished praise on his holding midfielder as one of the very best in the world.

“Fernandinho is one of the best, best, best holding midfielders in the world,” Guardiola said ahead of City’s game against Arsenal.

“With his positivity and his mentality – he gives us a lot – with and without the ball, in terms of many things we need to compete.

“Last season we can’t forget he played in full back many times and had no complaints – he tried it and he asked what he had done and how he can improve.

“When that happens and you have a lot of players in the squad with mentality like that you can dream of winning games.”

It isn’t just Fernandinho that Guardiola appears to be having quite the impact on. Some of his previously under-achieving players such as Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have also flourished since his arrival at the Etihad.

Speaking to City TV, Fernadinho said he thought he is having his best season so far and feels much of that can be attributed to the manager’s philosophy and guidance.

“The consistency I have had this season for me is very important. I try to play at the same level every game.

“Pep Guardiola played in the same position as me. He knows very well the right way.

“You could see it last season when he joined us. He helped me to improve a lot, especially talking about small details to improve myself.

“This helped me a lot and I am enjoying being part of this team and working under him.”

Over the last few seasons there has been much talk among City fans about Fernandinho being one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Although reluctant to be drawn on talking about himself, it’s not only the fans who are talking. Players such as De Bruyne, Aguero and Silva have all stated they wouldn’t have the same effect on a game without the Brazilian midfielder in the team.

City completed 2017 undefeated at the Etihad stadium with the midfielder’s tireless work rate and ability to retrieve the ball back playing a pivotal role – and allowing the attacking players to rack up 114 goals in 2017.

Despite all his recent plaudits it still wasn’t enough to earn him a nomination for November’s player of the month award alongside Nicolas Otamendi, Kevin De Bruyne and the previous month’s winner Raheem Sterling.

During the interview he also touched on what he claims is his obligation as a player who has been at the club nearly five years to help newer players such as Gabriel Jesus and Ederson who may struggle with the language.

Asked about his young daughter set to be a native Manc, he claims his seven-year old son has already begun to get a Mancunian accent and expects his daughter to do the same.