During Manchester City’s comfortable 3-0 victory against Palermo, it seems like Tijjani Reijnders was in the mood to show the world why it would be remiss for his move to the Etihad Stadium to go under the radar.
The Dutchman was one of the best midfielders in Europe last season and for Pep Guardiola’s side so far, he has impressed.
Against Palermo, Tijjani Reijnders could have scored a hat-trick but he ended up stealing the show by bagging a brace — as he made smartly-timed runs into the box and finished his chances with aplomb.
Nathan Ake has lauded Reijnders already and ultimately, the latter will be hoping to make an impression on his City teammates.
Pep Guardiola says Man City knew Tijjani Reijnders’ movement was ‘special’ after win vs Palermo
However, for the former AC Milan technician, Pep Guardiola’s opinion will be of the utmost importance.
The Catalan tactician was a midfielder during his playing days and if he rates the Zwolle-born star’s performances highly, City fans have every right to be excited about his time at the Etihad Stadium.
After his side beat Palermo, Pep Guardiola revealed that the Sky Blues were aware that Reijnders’ movement into the box was terrific, while lauding his display via Manchester City’s official website: “Yeah, we knew that he is a special player arriving into the box.”
“He loves to do that. People in Italy know him perfectly.”
“He scored two goals and he made a fantastic performance like the rest of his teammates.”
Guardiola added: “He can play as a holding midfielder but he loves to arrive to the box to help our strikers like Erling [Haaland] and Omar [Marmoush] and anyone who plays there. We are really pleased.”
Oscar Bobb delivers honest Tijjani Reijnders verdict
Reijnders revealed Manchester City made him feel welcome and perhaps that may explain why he has looked like such a natural fit in the famous sky blue strip.
The stats also show just how well Reijnders fared for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side against Palermo.
| TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS VS PALERMO | |
| GOALS | 2 |
| PASSES COMPLETED | 16/20 (80%) |
| INTERCEPTIONS | 2 |
| TOUCHES IN THE OPPOSITION BOX | 7 |
| DUELS WON | 4/4 |
Oscar Bobb heaped praise on Reijnders and the other new signings as well after the contest.
Bobb said: “Great. Marcus [Bettinelli] is not here. The others are. It’s been great.”
“It’s been a pleasure playing with them. The two Rayans, Tijjani, they are world-class players.”
