City’s manager says the midfielder is exactly the kind of profile they need to compete in the Premier League
Pep Guardiola described Tijjani Reijnders as “a top signing” after the Dutch midfielder impressed in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.
Reijnders, who joined from AC Milan in the summer, scored one, created one, and directly assisted another in City’s Premier League opener at Molineux.
The 27-year-old was heavily involved throughout, adding control in midfield and breaking forward to support the attack.
Guardiola said the performance underlined why City moved for him.
“He is a typical player we need in the Premier League,” said City’s manager. “He is an incredible, big signing for us.
“His work ethic, a holding midfielder occupies a lot of spaces and then after the control with the ball and his movements. And then he is trying to get in behind and score. I’m really pleased.”
City are aiming to recover from a disappointing campaign last season, when they failed to mount a title challenge and finished trophyless for the first time in seven years. Reijnders has been brought in as part of a midfield rebuild, with Guardiola reshaping the position after issues there became glaring last season.
Reijnders said: “It’s a great start. Very happy with an assist and a goal and a very good win. It is a great start and we have to keep going now.”
