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.”