Man City boss Guardiola is certain Fernandinho is the perfect leader for the Cityzens.

Guardiola is certain Fernandinho is the perfect leader for the Cityzens because he is selfless and, talks up City’s next Premier League opponents Arsenal FC.

Man City skipper Fernandinho continues to impress Guardiola and could make his third consecutive start of the season against Arsenal on New Year’s Day (Man City / YouTube)

Fernandinho may be in line for a third consecutive start if Rodrigo is again unavailable for City’s trip to the Emirates.

Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, labelling the 36-year-old as an incredible captain.

The Brazilian succeeded David Silva as the Cityzens’ skipper in the summer of 2020 and Guardiola has been impressed by how he continues to put the needs of the team first.

Fernandinho played a total of 180 minutes in the last two City matches against Leicester and Brentford and could be in line for his third consecutive start today following the absence of Rodri, who has been a stand-out performer for the defending champions this season.

“He [Fernandinho] is an incredible captain that we have because he didn’t play much this season because Rodri has been exceptional,” said the City boss ahead of their New Year’s Day trip to Arsenal as the club’s website quoted.

“He always tries to help the team, the guys who don’t play, myself, the staff. He is so generous. He is just thinking about what the team needs and what is best for the team.

“This is a real captain, when they always think about what is best for the team and the club. That is why he is so generous when he doesn’t play and when he plays, he always plays well.

“We will need him because we have many games and Rodri cannot play all season, it is impossible.

“That is why against Brentford and Leicester, he was exceptional.”

The Cityzens boss Guardiola also admitted that he has been impressed by Arsenal, who they play at the Emirates Stadium later today.

The Gunners have won five games on the trot in all competitions and sit in the fourth spot in the Premier League standings.

“It is the best Arsenal for the last four or five years,” the Catalan said. “It is no secret. They are now top four. The energy they are playing, the good ideas that Mikel has, it is an example that to settle something you need time.

“I had a feeling that he would not just change the team - that’s obvious - but also change the club. I am pretty sure he fought for many things that maybe when he started were not good and step by step he is doing well.

“We are going to face one of the best teams in the Premier League right now, in their best form. It will be a tough game but at the same time, we have a good opportunity.

“After that, we have long weeks to prepare for Chelsea and Southampton before the international break that is why the game in London is so decisive for us.”

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