Stan Collymore says this unsung Manchester City man Fernando has been ‘exceptional’ under Pep Guardiola

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With Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling on top form, few have paid much attention to Fernando.

Stan Collymore has written in the Daily Mirror that he believes Manchester City are still favourites for the Premier League title, helped by Fernando’s ‘exceptional’ performances in front of the defence.

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League after blowing away Watford 6-1 on Sunday, a day after Pep Guardiola’s City were held at home for the third straight domestic fixture thanks to Marten De Roon’s late equaliser for Middlesbrough at the Etihad.

However, Collymore believes the extensive quality interspersed throughout Guardiola’s squad means they are still the team to beat this season, and has reserved special praise for Fernando despite the Brazilian featuring in just 204 minutes of Premier League action this season, as recorded by WhoScored.

“I haven’t changed my view on who will win the title,” Collymore wrote in his column for the Daily Mirror.

“City have the best striker of all the big clubs and when the three behind him click they have the best creativity.

“On top of that, Fernando has been exceptional in defensive midfield, so they’re still my tip for the top.”

The 30-year-old Brazilian has never quite shaken off the feeling that he doesn’t fit into a City midfield characterised by the class of David Silva and the metronomic distribution of Fernandinho.

Fernando is, first and foremost, a defensively minded destroyer, someone who is certainly more wrecking ball than architect.

And Guardiola’s attempts to deploy the former Porto man, nicknamed ‘the Octopus’ for his ability to thrust out a leg and nick possession, at the base of his midfield have largely resulted in failure due to Fernando’s comparatively sub-standard passing range.

However, when trusted to hold the fort as his buccaneering team-mates hurtle forward, that is when he is in his element.

On reflection, perhaps Guardiola could feel the benefit of using his experience and destructive capabilities in front of a defence that has capitulated far too often already this season.