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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Since Sheikh Mansour's takeover, Manchester City have been blessed with some truly extraordinary players. The likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany, amongst others, have rightly taken the limelight at the Etihad. But one man who has arguably had just as big of an influence since his arrival, is Fernandinho.

The Brazil international joined City from Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk and has been a permanent fixture in the side's midfield since. The 34-year-old has played under numerous different managers at the Etihad, but has been an integral part of every City team. Others have come and gone, but Fernandinho has been an ever-present.

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But with just nine months left on his contract, The Sun claim the Brazilian is “ready to wait” until later in the campaign to discuss a new deal. Whilst the report suggests both City and Fernandinho have a “strong relationship”, surely the Etihad side must look to get that piece of business done as soon as possible?

The big-money arrival of Rodri, and his impressive start to the campaign so far, has almost shunted Fernandinho to the shadows. But, despite the presence of City's big-money signing, the 34-year-old still has plenty left to offer.

Indeed, speaking in November 2017, Pep Guardiola remarked: “I think Fernandinho, right now, is one of the three best holding midfielders in the world. He gives us a lot, with the ball and without the ball, in terms of many things we need to compete.

“I know the fans like the guys who score goals, but all managers know the value of this kind of player. Maybe the media don’t talk too much about how important they are.”

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And that perhaps is the biggest reason why City should avoid overlooking Fernandinho this season and potentially even after that. He remains one of the side's best ball-winning midfielders, and averaged 2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League last season, so it's not as if Guardiola's comments have expired.

As Rodri looks to settle into his first campaign in English footballer, Guardiola could do a lot worse than turning to an old hand to steer the side through a transition year for the Spain star.

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