Pep Guardiola enjoyed the perfect start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign as a Tijjani Reijnders-inspired Manchester City eased past Wolves 4-0.
27-year-old Reijnders was the star of the show, playing a key role in his side’s first three goals.
For the last of these, the midfielder pulled the ball back to Erling Haaland after carrying it from inside his own half to the edge of the Wolves penalty area, an assist Jamie Redknapp described as ‘the best of the season.’
Yet Reijnders wasn’t the player that Guardiola singled out post-game, instead praising another one of his new signings.
Pep Guardiola praises ‘unbelievable’ and ‘extraordinary’ Rayan Cherki
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as relayed by BeanymanSports, the Spaniard saved his most glowing praise for Rayan Cherki.
While discussing all his new signings, Guardiola said of the Frenchman: “The talent from Cherki is unbelievable.
“The small spaces, the creativity, the final third, it’s extraordinary. Sometimes in certain games, of course, we will need him.”
Cherki was limited to a role off the bench against Wolves, but still made an impact, showing excellent feet on the edge of the penalty area before firing into the far corner past a helpless Jose Sa.
It showed why Cherki was given the number 10 shirt by Guardiola, and indicates what City fans can expect from the midfielder over the coming season.
Oscar Bobb also deserves praise for his performance against Wolves
Another player who has gone somewhat unnoticed because of the performance of Reijnders is Oscar Bobb.
Making his first Premier League start since the 2023/24 campaign after suffering an extended injury lay-off because of a broken leg sustained in August 2024, the 22-year-old looked like he’d never been away against Wolves.
Before his unfortunate injury, Bobb had been bookmarked by most fans and pundits to have a strong campaign last season.
Having taken the right amount of time to recover properly, hopefully, the Norwegian can now stay injury-free and deliver on the talent that he clearly possesses.