He’s been a mainstay of Pep Guardiola’s side, playing every minute of City’s Premier League campaign so far and establishing himself as the first-choice defensive midfielder in the team.
This week he was widely praised for the way he minimised Lionel Messi’s influence during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Argentina, a result that saw Tite’s side consolidate their lead at the top of the 10-team South American qualifying group.
And now Palmeiras coach Cuca has added his approval, describing Fernandinho as a player who offers both defensive solidity and technical quality.
“Fernandinho is a key player for City and Brazil as well,” Cuca told ManCity.com. “He is not that kind of holding midfielder that just marks the opponent, he is excellent on the ball. Guardiola likes it a lot, so do I.”
Cuca, whose side have a six-point lead at the top of the Brazilian Serie A with just four matches remaining, also praised team-mate Fernando.
He joined City from Porto in 2014 - and Cuca believes he offers great protection in front of the defence.
“Fernando is also good,” he said. “He was at Vila Nova and then went to Porto. He did really well there with his marking all over the field.
“Although he does not have a build up as good as Fernandinho’s, he is another great player that Guardiola works with. If Guardiola wants, he can send one of them on loan to me!”
