Tijjani Reijnders Shines as Manchester City’s New Midfield Maestro
When Kevin de Bruyne left Manchester City last summer, many questioned how the team would fill the void left by the Belgian playmaker. But in Tijjani Reijnders, Pep Guardiola’s side may have found another midfield gem—one who made an immediate impact with a stunning debut performance against Wolves.
A Memorable Premier League Debut
Reijnders announced his arrival in English football with an all-action display, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Manchester City’s dominant victory at Molineux. The Dutch midfielder became only the second City player—after Sergio Agüero—to achieve this feat on his Premier League debut, instantly endearing himself to the Etihad faithful.
It’s a great start, Reijnders told BBC Match of the Day. Very happy with an assist and a goal and a very good win. We have to keep going now.
Pep Guardiola was equally effusive in his praise, highlighting the 27-year-old’s versatility and intelligence on the pitch.
Really good. Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one, Guardiola said. His pace and ability to operate in midfield are outstanding. He understands spaces, makes dangerous runs, and is exactly what we needed.
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer was equally impressed, calling Reijnders’ performance sensational.
It was almost the perfect midfield display, Shearer added. Wolves had no answer to his movement and energy. He was brilliant.
Who Is Tijjani Reijnders?
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Reijnders began his senior career at PEC Zwolle before moving to AZ Alkmaar in 2018. After a loan spell at RKC Waalwijk, he became a key figure for AZ, contributing 13 goals and 15 assists in 128 appearances—a record that earned him a €42.5 million move to AC Milan in 2023.
Despite Milan’s underwhelming eighth-place finish in Serie A last season, Reijnders was a standout performer. He ended the campaign with 10 goals and four assists, ranking among Italy’s top midfielders for forward passes, progressive carries, and chance creation.
His ability to dictate play and break lines with his dribbling makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system, which thrives on quick transitions. Reijnders also ranked second in Serie A for secondary chances created (49), proving his knack for setting up teammates in dangerous positions.
Filling the Void Left by Kevin de Bruyne?
With Kevin de Bruyne’s departure and Rodri recovering from injury last season, City’s midfield needed reinvigorating. Guardiola addressed this by signing both Reijnders and Porto’s Nico González, and the early signs are promising.
Reijnders’ link-up play with Erling Haaland was particularly encouraging against Wolves. His disguised pass set up the Norwegian for a clinical finish, showcasing his vision. Additionally, the Dutchman completed 52 of 57 passes and made 22 passes in the final third, underlining his influence in attack.
Chris Powell, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, labeled Reijnders as the star man of the match, further emphasizing his instant impact.
You’re seeing a new-look City midfield—and with Rodri and Phil Foden still to return, this team will be even stronger.
Guardiola’s Midfield Reinforcements
While Reijnders stole the headlines, James Trafford also impressed on his debut in goal, keeping a clean sheet in Ederson’s absence. Goalkeeping concerns linger, however, as the Brazilian enters the final year of his contract amid links to Galatasaray.
Guardiola remained tight-lipped on Ederson’s future but stressed the need to streamline the squad.
If a player wants to leave, it has to be on the club’s terms, Guardiola said. But right now, my focus is ensuring the squad isn’t too bloated. Everyone needs to feel involved.
A New Era for Manchester City?
Though replacing a legend like Kevin de Bruyne is no easy task, Reijnders’ electrifying debut suggests City have found a midfielder capable of making a difference. If he continues this form, the Dutchman could become just as integral to Guardiola’s system.
For now, City fans have every reason to be excited. With Reijnders pulling the strings, Rodri returning to fitness, and Foden still to feature, this could be the beginning of another dominant era—one where De Bruyne’s absence feels a little less painful.
Key Takeaways:
– Reijnders scored and assisted on his PL debut, emulating Sergio Agüero.
– His versatility and intelligence fit Guardiola’s system perfectly.
– City’s midfield looks stronger, even with players still returning.
– Ederson’s future remains uncertain, but Trafford impressed in goal.
Reijnders may be early into his City career, but if his start is anything to go by, fans can expect big things—perhaps even a legacy to rival Kevin de Bruyne’s.
