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Manchester City's “Dark Destroyer” has been hailed as their most important player in their recent surge in form.

And Fernandinho says that his midfield “brother” Fernando is now showing everyone the real player that the Blues bought for just £12million.

Fernando is expected to step back into action as City continue their fight for a top four place with a trip to Newcastle on Tuesday night.

In the past, that prospect would have brought groans from supporters who thrilled at the Blues' midfield's 3-0 devastation of Chelsea.

After taming Paris St Germain and starring in City's wins over Bournemouth and West Brom, Fernando was handed a well-earned rest at Stamford Bridge.

But his upturn in form has been a key feature for the Blues, and Fernandinho is delighted for his countryman and close pal.

“I'm not just saying it because he is my friend, but I feel he has been City's most important player in the last few weeks,” said Fernandinho.

“His performance has improved a lot. Sometimes when you don't score goals, or create chances for other players, no-one recognises the job you do.

“But Fernando does a dark job. He does the work in the shadow that balances defence and attack, and we are now seeing the real Fernando – we are all excited about that.”

City fans have also started to believe in Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi after big performances – and Fernandinho says they have stepped into the breach left by Vincent Kompany's injury troubles.

“They have proved a lot of people wrong in the last few games – that is two clean sheets in a row,” said the Brazilian, who has been a keystone in City's best work all season.

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“Everyone has contributed to that, and that is very important to a squad like ours – but they have shown that when an important player is out, others can come in and also do a very, very good job.”

The win at Chelsea means the Blues have won three on the bounce for the first time since they began the season with five straight wins.

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And with Kevin De Bruyne and Samir Nasri boosting the squad after returning from injury, Fernandinho feels City truly are back.

“The performance was similar to the first five games of the season,” he said. “We were playing very, very well at that time, and against Chelsea were on that same level of performance.

“We played very, very good football, scored three goals away from home and kept a clean sheet, which for me is the best part.

“We could finish third. We have another game to play on Tuesday against Newcastle, and we are playing with confidence.

“When you win like we did last week in the Champions League, everyone gains confidence and you can see we are playing with more trust and look like scoring goals.”

Have Fernando, Mangala and Otamendi proved they have a future with Manchester City? Have your say below