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With such illustrious playmaking talent in front of him in Manchester City's midfield, sometimes its easy to forget how important a player Fernandinho is for Pep Guardiola's side.

But then comes a game like at Anfield on Sunday when technical flair isn't quite so prevalent, or at the very least not quite so potent, and the Brazil international suddenly emerges as a composed, calculated and quite simply crucial figure amid a tense ninety minutes.

In possession, Fernandinho has always been a pivotal linkup between defence and midfield, but it was his qualities and cuteness off the ball that made such a difference against a Liverpool team that netted seven times during City's two visits to Merseyside last season.

He kept the Reds' usually rampant attack at bay with three tackles, three interceptions, four clearances and perhaps most impressively of all considering he wasn't booked, four fouls.

It was that maturity which helped City through a game at a ground that has caused them so many problems down the years, and clinch an away point against the only team in the Premier League with a genuine psychological edge over them.

But due to turn 34 before the end of the season, Fernandinho's gritty performance also highlights the biggest long-term issue Guardiola's team currently faces - eventually replacing such a pivotal figure.

Fred was pinpointed as his successor in January but never arrived, now plying his trade with Manchester United instead, and Jorginho received the same label last summer, only for Chelsea to beat City to his services instead after appointing Maurizio Sarri.

Fernandinho's performance on Sunday provided a crucial reminder of how detrimental those misses in the transfer market could prove to be for the Etihad Stadium outfit. In terms of experience, ability and suitability to Guardiola's system, there really aren't that many obvious alternatives out there right now.