After just one week of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders has already left his mark.
Reijnders was acquired from AC Milan over the summer as part of a £48m deal, and Man City fans knew they had a player on their hands after watching the midfielder compete at the FIFA Club World Cup.
That excitement around the 27-year-old increased after Reijnders scored a brace against Palermo during pre-season, and the hope was that the new City signing could take that into their opening game against Wolves.
Reijnders stole the show during Man City’s trip to Molineux with a goal and an assist, with the latter leaving an impression on Michael Owen.
Tijjani Reijnders reacts after scoring during Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Michael Owen believes Tijjani Reijnders has a sixth sense
Alan Shearer was one of many to praise Reijnders after his debut against Wolves, with the BBC pundit stating that the Dutch star’s display at Molineux was the “perfect midfield performance”.
Owen has now had his say on the 27-year-old, with the former Liverpool star stating that he believed the midfielder has a “sixth sense” after re-watching his assist for Erling Haaland.
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“I’ve looked at this again and again this afternoon, and he never once looks where Erling Haaland is, it’s just a sixth sense,” Owen said on Stan Sport’s The Final Word.
“I was very impressed. It’s been an area of concern for City with Kevin De Bruyne leaving and some players getting older, but he looks like one who can take over.”
Reijnders’ assist was one of a top-quality player, and it certainly won’t be the last Man City fans see from their new signing, who will be looking to put on another show when he plays at the Etihad Stadium for the first time on Saturday against Tottenham.
Tijjani Reijnders’ performance vs Wolves in numbers
After Kevin De Bruyne left Man City at the end of last season, Reijnders’ display against Wolves was exactly what fans of the Manchester club needed to see to reassure them that their midfield is in good hands for the coming years.
Not only did the Dutch star pass the eye test, but the numbers he put up were also very impressive as the 27-year-old won 100% of his tackles, finished the match with a 91% pass accuracy, completed 52 passes, completed 18/20 final third passes, had three shots, created two chances, completed one dribble, while also scoring, assisting, and pre-assisting.
Tijjani Reijnders' game by numbers vs. Wolves:
100% tackles won
91% pass accuracy
52 passes completed
18/20 final third passes completed
3 shots
2 chances created
1 dribble completed
1 2nd assist
1 assist
1 goal
De Bruyne’s heir. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/eZ5PPYcrsb
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 16, 2025
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Man City brought in some impressive signings over the summer, with the initial excitement coming from the addition of Rayan Cherki.
However, over the last two weeks, that seems to have shifted to Reijnders, and the Dutch star deserves all the praise sent his way.