Tijjani Reijnders: Manchester City’s next great midfielder | OneFootball

Earlier this June, Manchester City acquired the services of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for a reported fee of around £50 million.

After an impressive 2024/25 campaign – scoring 16 goals and assisting four – Reijnders swapped the red of Milan for the blue of Manchester. With City midfield icons Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan both departing in the summer, Reijnders’ signing has filled the fanbase with optimism.

Capable in both defensive and attacking phases of play, Tijjani Reijnders is the perfect example of a true modern day midfielder, potentially filling the void left several seasons ago by legendary Etihad Stadium figure Yaya Toure.

We share why the Netherlands international can become the Cityzens’ next midfield great!

Player Profile

Tijjani Reijnders has featured primarily in an advanced midfield position so far in his 10 competitive Manchester City appearances so far during the new season.

Reijnders’ heat-map so far in his maiden Premier League campaign reveals most of his play has come in the half spaces, primarily on the left hand side, with his athleticism making him a key figure in both boxes.

Scoring, assisting, and defending, his all-round play makes him a significant Premier League midfield presence. While being versatile, Reijnders can comfortably perform in all central areas, but predominantly as a number eight.

The Dutchman was named Serie A’s best midfielder in the last campaign, continuing to develop his performance as a front-footed midfielder, as his attacking output continues to climb.

How Tijjani Reijnders fits

Typically different to Pep Guardiola’s previous advanced midfield players, Tijjani Reijnders provides stability in Manchester City’s midfield three. However, the Dutchman will receive license to roam in forward positions due to the anchoring of Rodri, and the inverting of Rico Lewis and converted full-back Nico O’Reilly.

The 27-year-old is tidy in possession, picking up an 89 per cent passing success rate thus far. The Dutch midfielder also thrives in possession-based systems, but also has the dynamism and energy levels to run the midfield – key traits that Guardiola’s midfield has missed for a considerable period of time.

Guardiola acquiring a natural number eight offers the key balance missing in Manchester City’s midfield, and helps bridge the divide between attack and defence.

What does Tijjani Reijnders offer Manchester City?

We have already seen pieces of what the 27-year-old provides Pep Guardiola, with an athletic goal and assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers, plus assists against Napoli and Arsenal. But what does Manchester City’s midfield man really provide to the Cityzens?

The Dutch midfielder’s strenuosity will be a key attribute in Manchester City’s midfield. Reijnders will put in the hard yards, but also offer that composure and control in the centre of the pitch.

Whilst he may not have the passing quality of his predecessor in Kevin De Bruyne, Reijnders does specialise in breaking lines with his passing, performing a staggering 229 line-breaking passes in Italy’s top flight last campaign.

This is a critical skill needed when playing for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, as opposition teams usually sit in low blocks.

Tijjani Reijnders may not hold the legendary Manchester City status of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva or Yaya Toure, but with the expertise, moulding and mentoring of Pep Guardiola, he could be well on his way to writing his own legacy.