FERNANDO REGES: OUR MIDFIELD GENERAL AND A COMPLETE CENTRE-MIDFIELDER

Sevilla FC have nearly played a quarter of the La Liga season already, after the victory over Levante on Sunday night in Matchday 9. With 16 points after accumulating five victories (three of these away from home), one draw and three defeats, Sevilla have also managed an impressive four clean sheets so far. Looking into this statistic, sitting in front of the two centre-backs lies the figure of Fernando Reges, the 'pivot' in Julen Lopetegui's side.

The centre-midfielder, along with Vaclík between the sticks and Jesús Navas at right-back, is the only one to have played every minute of every game so far in La Liga. In addition, in relation to all the other player sin the league who play in that position, he is only joined by Dani García of Athletic Club de Bilbao, as the only player to have playd every minute. In the Brazilian, Lopetegui has found a cover or a safety net for the two midfielders who play in front of him and he has become an indispensable part of the Sevilla midfield.

Against Levante, Fernando recovered the ball 13 times, more than double his average so far in in La Liga

The more attacking players in the midfield, such as: Jordán, Banega, Óliver or Mudo Vázquez, have peace of mind knowing that when they venture forward, Fernando is always there behind them, in a good position. In the victory over Levante, the Brazilian made 13 ball recoveries; in a game where Sevilla were pushing high and putting pressure on the opposition, something which eventually paid off when De Jong found the back of the net.

In comparison with the rest of the league regarding ball recoveries, Fernando sits 10th in La Liga with 55 in total - an average of just over six a game. He also comes out victorious 53% of the time in the duels he faces. Likewise, the centre-midfielder has completed a total of 479 passes with an accuracy of 88.1%, where he also sits in 10th place in La Liga.

Fernando has a pass completion rate of 81.42% in the opposition half, showing how well he takes care of the ball

Digging even deeper, Sevilla FC's number 25 has attempted a total of 183 passes in the opposition half with an accuracy of 81.42%, a statistic which shows how well he takes care of the ball when he has it at his feet. The work done by Fernando can't go unnoticed: he's always tactically switched on, moving quickly to win balls back after they are lost and starting attacks for his team.

Up until now, Lopetegui hasn't decided to use Fernando in any of the UEFA Europa League 'Group A' games. After being given a 'rest' during the European games so far, the former Galatasary player has an abundance of experience playing in Europe. He has played in more than 80 games in the Champions League and Europa League combined, with Manchester City, Porto and the Turkish side. Furthermore, he has also appeared in an European Super Cup.

The experience he brings on the European stage to Sevilla will benefit all, with more than 80 games played between the Champions League and the Europa League

Sevilla FC have signed him for the next three seasons, which is a lifeline for the midfield of the team. After turning 32 this year, Fernando is in peak physical condition every week and, just like his teammate and captain Jesús Navas, there doesn't seem to be any signs yet of him slowing down. Fernando: the midfield general of Sevilla FC.