Kevin De Bruyne called for Fernandinho to be given due respect after converting from a world-class midfielder to a brilliant defender.
After another stellar display from the 34-year-old in the 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win at Manchester United, De Bruyne put that right.
He said: “Dinho can play everywhere. Since I came here he's been really under-rated. For me he was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and now he just comes in as a central defender and does what he does.
“Props to him, because obviously he is 35 and it's not easy to play a new position, especially when you've never done it in the 14 years before that.”
“He has done brilliantly,” said De Bruyne. “He came back a little bit late with some physical issues because of the injuries he had last year and in the summer.
“But from the moment he played he needed a couple of games and then is on a roll. He's somebody who, when he plays, feels good.
“He probably feels a little bit tired now, but at the age he is, you are going to take it. He is doing brilliantly for us.”
DonBieber
181
De Bruyne has just made my day!! At a time when players are getting selfish, and have little or nothing for their colleagues, De Bruyne is the man! And not just because of what he said, but the fact that he said it
vetkmoyz
123
He is an iconic figure at the Etihad.