Out of all the Premier League’s summer signings so far, Tijjani Reijnders seems to have stood out above the rest after his sensational showing for Manchester City in their 4-0 win against Wolves.
The Dutchman was a force to be reckoned with, as he helped Pep Guardiola’s men break down the hosts’ low blocks with his stunningly quick feet and a delightful lobbed pass into Rico Lewis’ path, who set up Erling Haaland’s opening goal.
Reijnders admitted he is studying Ilkay Gundogan’s game and that was especially on show for his first goal for City in the league — as his late run into the box and finish were reminiscent of the German at his best.
For Manchester City’s third goal as well, the 27-year-old was instrumental, as he started the move by combining with Oscar Bobb before foraying into the right flank and laying it off into Haaland’s path to score.
All in all, Tijjani Reijnders was outstanding on his Premier League debut.
- READ MORE: Tijjani Reijnders says he has already learned two big lessons from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Alan Shearer says Tijjani Reijnders’ movement makes him so ‘difficult’ to stop after Wolves vs Man City
Pep Guardiola seems to trust Reijnders, as he played him in a variety of roles, including as a right-sided attacking midfield, in a double pivot and just behind Haaland as well.
The former AC Milan supremo did not look flustered whatsoever and instead, took the game by the scruff of the neck.
On BBC Match of the Day, Alan Shearer raved about Reijnders’ display against Wolves, saying: “He was absolutely sensational! It was almost the perfect midfield performance, and for his first league game – to stand out like he did today. It was an incredible game from him. Everything he did, whether it was reading the game… he was particularly impressive running with and without the ball.”
Shearer claimed that Reijnders’ astute movement into the box makes him a difficult customer to play against, adding: “He controlled the game at his pace. He’s aware of everything around him. An absolute nightmare to play against because someone that’s always on the move and great at timing those runs – for the opposition is very, very difficult.”
The Newcastle United legend continued: “The way he ran with and without the ball and when you’re up against that, it’s difficult to keep up and he kept on going and going and they had no answer for that.”
Tijjani Reijnders equals Sergio Aguero feat during Wolves v Man City
Reijnders must be delighted to hear such high praise from Alan Shearer, however, the Manchester City number four’s heroics against Wolves merited appreciation.
Pep Guardiola lauded Reijnders’ showing against Wolves as well and much like the pundit, he too pinpointed the midfielder’s intelligent movement.
According to Opta Johan, the Zwolle-born goalscorer became only the second City player in history to score a goal and provide an assist on his Premier League debut since Sergio Aguero in 2011.
It’s safe to say Reijnders is in esteemed company, with Aguero arguably being the best player to ever play for Manchester City.
If the Dutch international follows in the Argentine’s footsteps, he could go down as a City legend as well.
