Tijjani Reijnders must be feeling over the moon about signing for Manchester City for a number of reasons.
From playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world to working with Pep Guardiola and playing with some of the finest players in the world, the midfield maestro’s reasons to be delighted seem endless.
Guardiola revealed Reijnders could reach the top once he starts to understand the “rhythm” of how City play and his game, as it seems like the Catalan tactician already seems to hugely admire the 26-year-old.
Reijnders was excellent against Wydad AC on his debut for the Sky Blues and the early signs suggest that he made the right decision to sign for the English giants.
Tijjani Reijnders could be unhappy if Ilkay Gundogan signs for Galatasaray
However, like at any club, Tijjani Reijnders will expect there to be both ups and downs at Manchester City.
Considering Reijnders hoped to learn from Ilkay Gundogan, witnessing his links to Galatarsay might disappoint the former AC Milan midfielder, as he recently said: I’ve watched the clips of Kevin [De Bruyne] a lot but Gundogan is someone I can learn a lot from. It’s nice to see him nearby and the way he does it.”
Gundogan has agreed personal terms with Galatarsay and considering the Zwolle-born technician hopes to become a similarly elite player one day, his exit could well be a hammer blow to the Dutchman.
Rarely do midfielders get a chance to study how a legendary player like the former Borussia Dortmund conductor train, carry themselves behind the scenes and play alongside.
With Reijnders being a number eight himself, Gundogan could have helped him understand what it takes to succeed at Manchester City and become the complete midfielder who is a key asset in every phase of the pitch.
However, the six-time Premier League winner has not agreed to leave City yet and if he ends up staying at the Etihad Stadium, that should come as a delight for the Sky Blues’ new-boy.
Tijjani Reijnders should study Bernardo Silva’s game at Man City
Regardless of whether Gundogan stays or leaves Manchester City to join Galatasaray, Reijnders should not be too disappointed as well as Bernardo Silva is a brilliant role-model to have.
With Bernardo set to captain Manchester City as well, observing how the Portuguese international leads by example, controls the tempo of games and takes cares of himself could be priceless for the Dutch international.
Reijnders is a different player to the former AS Monaco midfielder as well as Gundogan.
But one day, the player will be expected to help run the show like the City pair have done for years.
As a result, Reijnders should spent a chunk of his time at Manchester City being a sponge and soaking in how some of the greats have remained at the summit of European football for such a long time.
