Who now then?...

[Neville Kneville]

In fairness im not sure Fern took that much moulding by Pep.
Prior to coming to City, when he was at Shaktar, he could do everything from playing as the deep lying play maker, box to box and or attacking midfielder, still can.
It was Pellegrini who deployed him as the deeper of the two between him and Yaya, which allowed Yaya to push forward for a few years.
Sadly my view is that it stifled Ferns game and although he has been brilliant, these last few years due to the demands placed upon him we've never really been able to see his natural game thgroughout a season.
Nevertheless in terms of the tools and abilities to carry out his current role Fern already had them, and more.
I think what was tweaked was Pep being clear that he wanted more from him than what Pellegrini has demanded which essentially was for him to sit deep.
Pep has asked him to be pivotal or more influential in Citys build up and attacking transitions from the deep lying deep lying midfielder role he currently occupies.

I agree, we have never really seen the player we signed, in Fernandinho. He was sacrificed to allow Pellegrini to play with a man short in midfield (I bet he doesn't do it at West Ham) & has been a 'holding' player ever since.

Which is why I find it both amusing & very annoying when people on here talk about him being 'limited' as a footballer. I'm pretty sure that if he was given 4, 5 games in a more creative role, he would get used to it again & be brilliant there.

 

[bobom]

Where are people getting the evidence from that Douglas Luiz is a world class DM? I mean he might be, but I don't think we can say that on the back of a few pre season matches and a non-season at Girona.

He came with high recommendations, and Pep is said he's promising, but that's about it isn't it?

But meaning to be negative, but for me that didn't translate into "he's Dinho's long term replacement".

 

[CC1]

If Douglas Luiz gets his permit he’s our long term DM option IMO. Pep even said if he can sort his permit out he’s definitely ready to step up to the plate. He’s got the lot great passer of the ball and is physical something we’re lacking in midfield and he’s still very young.. Douglas will be the perfect fit in our team to learn from dihno and for the future get it sorted ASAP blues

Problem is the powers that be don’t like being helpful as far as City are concerned. If he was at the rags he’d get his permit based on the fact it would be an honour for him to play at such an esteemed club

 

[StretfordBlueReece]

Like

We don’t need no more big name stars we have enough already. If Douglas is granted his permit we don’t need anybody else to come in that’s for sure our squad is ridiculously good we’ve got players who can play in all different kinds of positions it’s mad. I might even surprise a few on right now by saying we could and we will break even more records this season.

 

[taleofbluehalves]

If I’m honest I’d be surprised if it’s a current big name. It’s proved difficult prising players away late in the window for us because clubs know we are short on time and put prices sky high. I’d be staggered if we paid loads for Verratti.

 

[Ajm1985]

Where are people getting the evidence from that Douglas Luiz is a world class DM? I mean he might be, but I don't think we can say that on the back of a few pre season matches and a non-season at Girona.

He came with high recommendations, and Pep is said he's promising, but that's about it isn't it?

But meaning to be negative, but for me that didn't translate into "he's Dinho's long term replacement".

Agree with this. He *could* be world class in the future and replace Ferna but is a long long way off at the moment and I think it's clear that Pep wants someone who is ready now.

 

[dannyboy29]

A bloody permit!! we've got half of the country scamming the system to get out of a days graft and this kid has to get bloody permission to earn a living over here.....

(tongue and cheek)

 

[StretfordBlueReece]

Problem is the powers that be don’t like being helpful as far as City are concerned. If he was at the rags he’d get his permit based on the fact it would be an honour for him to play at such an esteemed club

I understand and get that but surely these days with all the money in football all the money we have there must be some way around sorting the lads future out sooner rather than later

 

[CC1]

I understand and get that but surely these days with all the money in football all the money we have there must be some way around sorting the lads future out sooner rather than later

Totally agree. It shouldn’t be an issue - but as usual, it seems to be

 

[Neville Kneville]

Could we prise Fellaini away from Utd ?