Manchester City midfielder Fernando has admitted that he looks to Chelsea's Nemanja Matic for inspiration on how to improve his own game.

The Serbian international rejoined the Blues from Benfica 12 months ago and has not looked back since to become a key component in the current Premier League leaders' starting lineup.

Fernando has not enjoyed the same sort of consistency since linking up with title rivals City last summer, but he hopes to become a better player as his career in England develops by watching Matic up close.

"It's a specific position and one that is really important for every team all over the world," he told reporters. "I played against Matic in Portugal several times and he is a really great player. He has so much quality.

"There are not many players like him left now, I think, but he is one I try to look at and learn from as I try to improve the way I play that role. He has become incredibly important to Chelsea. I always try to watch these players."

The 27-year-old has been unable to truly establish himself at the Etihad Stadium since making a £12m move from Porto, featuring 16 times in the top flight this campaign.