Galatasaray took a huge step towards their 21st Turkish Super Lig title following their victory over Besiktas on Sunday night.
The clash which took place at the Turk Telekom Arena ended 2-0 in the Lions favor. Fatih Terim knows he can lift his seventh league title if his side maintains their winning form in their last three games.
Former Manchester City defensive midfielder Fernando was once again the star of the show. The Brazil international has played an integral role in Galatasaray’s starting eleven since his summer move.
Fernando started the season at the base of Igor Tudor’s three-man midfield as an anchorman but has since been deployed as a central midfielder with both defensive and attacking responsibilities in Fatih Terim’s 4-4-1-1 system.
It is clear that the experienced tactician views Fernando as the new Felipe Melo, who enjoyed much success under Terim during his previous spell in charge.
Fernando scored his sides opening goal on Sunday against Besiktas, made eight successful tackles, two interceptions and two key passes.
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The Brazil international maintained a passing accuracy of 87% and made four successful dribbles.
With Fernando being used as a box-to-box midfielder, defensive responsibility has fallen to Ryan Donk. The former West Brom man has been a revelation since Fatih Terim’s appointment after being on the brink of leaving the club under Igor Tudor.
Donk also played a key role in Sunday’s win over Besiktas after successfully man marking Talisca throughout the 90 minutes.
Galatasaray are back in action this weekend when they take on an in-form Akhisar Belediyespor, who eliminated the Lions from the Turkish Cup earlier this month.
Fernando has made 23 appearances for Galatasaray this season after making a £4.75 million move from Man City last year.