Despite not getting either a goal or an assist, Tijjani Reijnders managed to catch the eye as he starred on his debut for Manchester City in their 2-0 win against Wydad AC.
Reijnders starred in defensive midfield against Wydad to the extent that he looked like a seasoned veteran in front of City’s back four.
The Zwolle-born technician’s composure on the ball, incisive passing and wise decision-making were signs that suggested that Manchester City may have signed a gem in the 26-year-old.
Reijnders aims to study Ilkay Gundogan’s game and against the Moroccan side, his performance in the first-half in particular was comparable to that of the German’s when he was at his pomp.
Tijjani Reijnders pointing during Manchester City v Wydad AC at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola praises Tijjani Reijnders after Man City vs Wydad AC
It’s safe to say that as Pep Guardiola trusted Tijjani Reijnders enough to instantly hand him a start against Wydad AC, the Manchester City midfielder repaid his manager’s faith.
Guardiola has always admired Reijnders and after the former AC Milan conductor’s latest outing, it is easy to see why.
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After Manchester City beat Wydad AC, the Catalan boss lauded the player while claiming that once he understand his side’s “rhythm”, there will be no stopping the Dutchman via the Daily Mail: “He’s a really good player. Really good. You feel it, you smell it. When he gets the rhythm, he will be top.”
Pep Guardiola stated that as impressive as Reijnders looked as a number six for Manchester City against Wydad AC, he remains at his best further forward: “We also have Nico Gonzalez there. [Mateo] Kovacic can come back. I see him more in the [higher] positions.”
Nathan Ake shares Tijjani Reijnders verdict after Man City debut
Reijnders spoke to Nathan Ake before joining Manchester City and the pair seem pally with each other due their time in the Dutch national team.
As Ake lauded Reijnders’ showing against Wydad, the debutant would have been proud as his countryman is one of the senior heads in Manchester City’s dressing room, with stats backing up the defender’s claim as well.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS VS WYDAD AC
PASSES INTO FINAL THIRD 8
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 1
PASSES COMPLETED 64/72 (92%)
DUELS WON 2/3
TACKLES WON 1/1
TOUCHES 82
The former AFC Bournemouth centre-back said: “I know him really well. I think from the first week in training, you could straight away see that he fits in really well. You see the quality he has.”
“I think he did very well in midfield against Wydad in tough circumstances, but I think he kept the ball really well. He kept us moving, and defensively, he was very good too.”
“He can play multiple positions, he can get in the box, he can get you moving and we know he’s got a lot of quality.”
Ake backed Rayan Cherki to come good as well, saying: “With Rayan Cherki too, you can see the quality he has, so I’m sure there’s loads more to come from the guys.”