Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes shows flashes of invention but has to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, according to Brian Kerr.
Fernandes scored a penalty in United's 3-0 win over Watford to take them into fifth - a position that might prove crucial to Champions League qualification.
"I think he has got to adapt to the pace of the game," said Kerr of the Portuguese midfielder.
"From the league that he is used to playing in, most of the games in the Portuguese league - bar Benfica and Porto - they wouldn't be under pressure.
"They would be dominating games and he would be able to float about in that number 10 role and be able to have potshots and try to play players in.
"He will find the Premier League a lot quicker, a lot faster. The role of a midfielder has always been the role of a midfield player.
"You have to get up and back quickly, make tackles, win the ball, pass the ball, keep the ball.
"You have to run hard and then if you can get some shots and score some goals, then that is part of your role."
Bruno Fernandes
In the win over Watford, Fernandes helped to provide the feeling of a cohesive Manchester United midfield.
Kerr also feels that Fernandes needs to finesse his game to not always be looking forward, that often pulling a punch can be as effective.
"Today, he was able to get away without having to do any defensive work. Manchester United had enough with the two sitting behind him, with Matic, in particular, playing the defensive role.
"They tidied up and kept it moving, and [Fernandes] was able to get on with it.
"He was quite inventive when he was on the ball, he is certainly skilful.
"But I think you always have to play the right pass, not necessarily the forward pass.
"You don't always risk the ball by playing it forward so that someone can get across or get in and get a shot at goal.
"Sometimes, the right thing is to keep it and wait for the opportunity to play the forward ball around the corner. But he certainly showed ability and skill and took the penalty well."
As for the penalty itself, Kerr believes that the authorities need to curtail players taking stuttering run-ups.
"It is one that I think the law-makers should have a look at those where the player takes a hop, step and a jump before he takes it.
"The goalkeeper dives the way that he thinks his run is going because he is watching his body position; Foster dived to the right early today and it allowed Fernandes to tuck the penalty neatly to his left."
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