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Midfield report card: De Bruyne the best; Gundogan, Fernandinho solid

By Cody Griffin

GRANADA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: David Silva of Spain in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and FYR Macedonia at Estadio Nuevos los Carmenes on November 12, 2016 in Granada, . (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)
GRANADA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: David Silva of Spain in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and FYR Macedonia at Estadio Nuevos los Carmenes on November 12, 2016 in Granada, . (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 1: Fernandinho of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 1: Fernandinho of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Fernandinho – Grade – B+

Fernandinho is one of the most unheralded but most important members of the City midfield. Able to play as a lone defensive pivot or alongside another player farther up the field, Fernandinho is a versatile player. He is able to get forward and press as needed, while constantly running back to cover in defense. The entire team looks more confident with him on the pitch.

While Dinho has only one goal in the league this season and no assists on record, the numbers do not tell the whole story for him. He is as important to the midfield as Busquets is to Barca.