Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has got himself a new weapon that will enable his side to unlock opposition defences a lot more often.
Last season, Manchester City were far from their best, with a third-placed finish ultimately proving a better-than-expected outcome.
As a result, the Citizens were busy in both transfer windows this year, bringing in a host of talented new players that have strengthened their ranks.
And one of those players has brought with him something that City really needed last term, and that Liverpool have mastered under Arne Slot.
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Tijjani Reijnders in action during Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Tijjani Reijnders a ‘master’ of one-twos
Tijjani Reijnders was among the most high-profile signings for City this summer, as well as being the most expensive.
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He enjoyed a debut to remember and, though he wasn’t quite as good against Tottenham, he improved in the loss to Brighton.
The Athletic has now covered Reijnders’ penchant for one-twos, and how this was notable in the win over Wolves.
Reijnders initiated four one-twos with Oscar Bobb in City’s victory at Molineux – the most within a single Premier League game since 2018-19.
The outlet noted how City seemed reluctant to make runs ahead of the ball last season, for fear of being vulnerable on the counter.
However, with Reijnders in their ranks, City now have a weapon that can help them attack with greater speed this season.
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How Manchester City compared to Liverpool in terms of one-twos last season
Considering Liverpool were head and shoulders above the rest of the division in terms of playing one-twos, this suggests it’s a worthy approach to take.
As per the outlet, the Reds played 5.1 one-twos per 1,000 passes, with Bournemouth second on 4.3 per 1,000 passes and West Ham third on 3.8 per 1,000 passes.
Meanwhile, City were joint-tenth on 3 one-twos per 1,000, level with Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa.