Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders was in action on Thursday night for the Netherlands as the midfielder looked to help his nation take a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Dutch drew 1-1 with Poland in Rotterdam, with Denzel Dumfries netting the goal for Ronald Koeman’s side. The result leaves the Netherlands top of their group after three matches with seven points, with a trip to Lithuania this Sunday being on the cards next for Oranje.
Reijnders started for the Netherlands in the number 10 role, having impressed for the most part since joining Man City from AC Milan this summer.
This was the 27-year-old’s first appearance in an Oranje shirt since moving to the Premier League, and the Dutch media were in agreement over his display for his country.
Tijjani Reijnders was unimpressive in the Netherlands vs Poland
Reijnders impressed everyone on his Premier League debut against Wolves, but ever since, things have been a little quieter for the Dutch midfielder.
The 27-year-old played 84 minutes for the Netherlands on Thursday night against Poland, and the Man City star put in a display seen against both Tottenham and Brighton, where he didn’t stand out for good or bad reasons, although he did hit the post in the first half.
Most of the Dutch media rated Reijnders’ performance a 6 out of 10, which is what Voetbal Primeur did, while adding: “It wasn’t Reijnders’ night. The midfielder started strong with a powerful shot against the post, but then dropped back, occasionally making noticeably sloppy turnovers. This allowed Poland to create some danger.”
Algemeen Dagblad also went with a 6 out of 10 rating and commented on Reijnders with: “The Manchester City player came close to opening the scoring, but his shot hit the post past goalkeeper Skorupski. Reijnders was forced to give way to Justin Kluivert in the closing stages, as the Dutch team suddenly found themselves searching for an extra goal.”
Voetbal International would add to this as the outlet rated Reijnders a 6 out of 10, which was fair for his unimpactful display.
Voetbalzone were the only media outlet that rated the 27-year-old higher, going with a 6.5 rating out of 10, as they believe the Man City star was the best midfielder for the Netherlands on the night.
Tijjani Reijnders needs time at Manchester City
Roy Keane has no doubts that Reijnders will be a hit in the Premier League, and it was maybe too much to expect the Dutch star to replicate his performance against Wolves most weeks.
The 27-year-old has everything to be a top midfielder in the Premier League, and his ability to play in multiple midfield roles will only increase his chances of becoming a success story in Manchester.
A solid performance against Lithuania on Sunday would do Reijnders the world of good, as Man City fans will want him full of confidence when they take on Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium after the international break.
It was only natural that a lot of expectation would be placed on the Dutch international’s shoulders after his displays over the summer and Wolves, but the best thing any City fan can do now for their new signing is give him time.
