Manchester City new-boy Tijjani Reijnders seems like a real student of the game.
Reijnders revealed he will analyse Ilkay Gundogan’s game at City in his quest to become a world-class central midfielder, which goes to show that he is an avid learner.
Kevin De Bruyne is Reijnders’ idol and a player who he always looked up to, particularly studying how the Napoli midfielder scans his surrounding areas before receiving the ball.
Pep Guardiola would perhaps appreciate the Dutchman’s openness towards learning as such an attitude can dictate how far a player can go in their career.
Tijjani Reijnders in action during AC Milan v Bologna
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images
Tijjani Reijnders always analysed Arsenal greats Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp
Tijjani Reijnders is a brilliant player but he still has gears to reach before being widely considered as a truly elite midfielder.
Pep Guardiola’s staff admire Reijnders’ attitude and they will be hoping that even if he cements his reputation as a superstar, the former AC Milan technician never ceases to learn.
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The Athletic have revealed that two players who the 26-year-old has spent a lot of time studying are Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp.
Reijnders has worked on his goalscoring, scoring 15 goals last season, which explains why he analysed how forwards Van Persie and Bergkamp played, with the latter also being his father’s idol.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS LAST SEASON
STARTS 53
GOALS 15
ASSISTS 5
Notably, Van Persie snubbed a move to Manchester City to sign for Manchester United in 2012, saying via Manchester Evening News: “I had two other options, Juventus and Manchester City.”
“At this point, it is a reflection that begins, you weigh the pros and cons between the positive and the negative of each choice. But I had always had positive feelings towards Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.”
Dutch players who have played for Manchester City
Much like Van Persie and Bergkamp, Reijnders will be hoping to replicate them by becoming a Premier League legend at Manchester City.
The Sky Blues have had 11 Dutch players play for them in total, with their latest recruit increasing the tally to 12.
DUTCH PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR MANCHESTER CITY
NATHAN AKE
NIGEL DE JONG
KARIM REKIK
PHILIPPE SANDLER
RONALD WATERREUS
KIKI MUSAMPA
PAUL BOSVELT
GERARD WIEKENS
ALFONS GROENENDIJK
DANNY HOEKMAN
MICHAEL VONK
Out of the aforementioned names, the standouts are easily Nathan Ake and Nigel de Jong.
Considering Pep Guardiola rates Reijnders incredibly highly and supposedly believes he could lead them to the Premier League title next season, he could have the potential to surpass both his countrymen.
But for that to be a possibility, Reijnders will have to buckle down and do whatever it takes to become one of City’s main men.