Breaking Down Fernandinho's Performance for Manchester City vs. Aston Villa

In one of Manuel Pellegrini’s more baffling selection decisions this season, Fernandinho has been dropped to the bench for Manchester City’s last two games.

Despite being City’s best player in the defeat to Manchester United before wins over West Ham and Aston Villa, he has seen his place go in a reshuffle that’s seen Fernando, Frank Lampard and Yaya Toure played together in a new-look midfield.

Six points from six, many will feel, is justification enough, but given the lack of dynamism in both games, particularly Saturday’s win over Villa, it’s somewhat simplistic to suggest it has been the right call.

In fact, Fernandinho’s introduction in the second half against Villa was a big reason City managed to win the match after throwing away a two-goal lead. He scored a brilliant winner and added impetus and urgency to a team that struggled with lethargy throughout.

With Toure struggling to capture his very best form, Lampard looking a little short of pace as his time at the club drifts to an end and Fernando a far more limited player, Fernandinho is currently City’s best central midfield option. He will surely now be reinstated for the final four league games of the season.

His energy is infectious. Against Villa, he charged around the pitch, making tackles and interceptions, and driving forward when he had the ball at his feet. In a season in which City have struggled to hit their best, Fernandinho has been one of their best performing players. 

His style makes him incredibly valuable. He's a box-to-box player, with attacking and defensive capabilities. With Fernando now given the out-and-out defensive role, screening the back four throughout the entirety of games, Fernandinho can really show the expansive side of his game. 

According to Squawka, he completed 90 percent of his passes against Villa, which was close to Toure's 94 percent. But it was his drive and tenacity which gave City a lift. For so long, the game had drifted, with City too easy for Villa to play against. Fernandinho at least gave the visitors something to be wary of. 

Depending on the extent of Toure's injury, it would be staggering if Fernandinho didn't replace Lampard for City's trip to Tottenham next weekend. 

Lampard has been a magnificent signing, adding quality and important goals to the side, but he looked tired against Villa and unable to dictate the play like he can. 

Finishing the season strongly is vital for City and, indeed, Pellegrini, whose position will be reviewed at the end of the season. Performances like the one his side produced against Villa won't do him any favours when it comes to putting forward a case for remaining in charge. 

Fernandinho's presence is often a catalyst for City's best performances, and his winner against Villa should ensure he returns to the side. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.