Brazilian holding midfielder, Fernandinho, is often overlooked in the recognition department, due to the plethora of attacking talent that surrounds him at Manchester Coty.
Perhaps one of the most underrated players in the world of football, Fernandinho plays a key part in the dominant displays of the Premier League champions. And in spite of a lack of recognition, the Brazilian is well aware of the role he plays for Pep Guardiola's side.
In Guardiola's first year in English football, Fernandinho was sent off 3 times and received 14 yellow cards; he certainly adds braun to the dazzling flair on display at the Etihad.
And, with the visit of cross-city rivals United looming; Fernandinho will be called on once more this Sunday, as City will require the perfect balance of cynicism and shine in order to record another three points this season.
Albeit the player who hands out more stoppages in play than any other in the champions' side; David Silva and his namesake Bernardo are also great at preventing counter attacks, Fernandinho's role is much more than chief destroyer.
The Brazilian told 'Mail Online': "My role is to fix things. We have Benjamin Mendy and sometimes I have to block that left side when he goes forward. On the other side, Kyle Walker also likes to go forward. I have to watch that space. The responsibility on me is big but because I know how important I am for the team."
Often compared to a 'smiling assasin', when asked his thoughts on the description, Fernandinho simply smiled and said: "Why? I am a nice guy! I've heard what has been said but most of the time I recover the ball without making a foul. I smile because I am a happy guy."
He continued: "Look, football is a contact sport. For me it is normal. In my country, they used to call players who play in my position a defensive midfielder, but it is not defensive. I try to win the ball high up the pitch to start attacks. I know I have enough quality to play in a team that likes to play attacking football."
Fernandinho's importance is not lost on manager Pep Guardiola, who once said that he would like 10 Fernandinho's in his side. The Brazilian is the glue that holds the City machine together; the 'Citizens' have scored 17 goals with only 2 in reply at home, ahead of the visit of United.
The midfielder is aware of the high esteem he is held in by his manager, with such a level of respect reciprocated by both parties.
Fernandinho also told the 'Mail Online' what it was like to work with the Catalan manager, stating: "The synchronisation has to be precise. Everyone knows their role and what they have to do on the pitch. Some players didn't understand what he wanted in that first year, everyone was learning. Now, it only takes a gesture from him. It has become easier."
The 33 year old Brazilian is one of the elder players in Guardiola's set up, but remains one of the first few names on the teamsheet every single week.
While Fernandinho's derby record is rather strong, he enters his 11th derby this weekend on the back of 6 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats, the Brazilian knows that City face a tough task against their neighbours on Sunday.
Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, Fernandinho was keen to reflect on the home defeat last year, saying: "Of course it hurt we lost, we had the chance to win the title against our biggest opponent, and we missed it. We didn't treat it like a party. In other games we also took our kids on the pitch, we didn't do anything different."
He concluded: "What happened is that we scored two goals and missed a lot of chances. United came back well to win and that can happen in football with good teams. We can not think about that now. I don't think you should talk about revenge. We have to be very careful with United."
And so, one would think that if City are keen to avenge the home defeat last season, they will once more need a quietly assured performance from the Brazilian in order to stave off a resurgent United side.