"More Than a Replacement" - Pep Guardiola’s Midfield Gamble Already Paying Off

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·16 agosto 2025

"More Than a Replacement" - Pep Guardiola’s Midfield Gamble Already Paying Off

New Signing Scores and Assists in First Premier League Appearance

"More Than a Replacement" - Pep Guardiola’s Midfield Gamble Already Paying Off

OneFootball Video

Manchester City’s new signing Tijjani Reijnders announced himself in style on his Premier League debut scoring goal and providing assist as the champions thrashed Wolves 4 - 0 on Saturday.

Impactful First Impression

The Dutch midfielder who joined from AC Milan this summer was instrumental in City’s midfield dominance at Molineux.

Reijnders opened his account with composed finish and later set up teammate earning him strong 7.9 Sofascore rating.

By the Numbers

His display suggested he's more than just replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, the club legend who departed in June.

Player of the Match. Tijjani Reijnders. 💫
– sabato 16 agosto 2025

Reijnders Reacts

Speaking to the BBC after the match, the 25 year old said:

"It’s great start. I’m happy to score and assist but most important is the win. Playing in the Premier League's intense but it’s special to score in your first game"

He also praised Erling Haaland’s killer instinct:

"Haaland's always ready. When he gets the ball, you just know it’s going in"

"That's what I always saw on the television—the intensity of the Prem, the physicality." Man City's Tijjani Reijnders shares his thoughts after a goal and an assist in his PL debut.
– sabato 16 agosto 2025

Guardiola’s Midfield Solution

Pep Guardiola identified Reijnders as the perfect fit for his system thanks to his vision & ability to operate in tight spaces. Against Wolves he showed exactly why City moved quickly to sign him.

City fans will be eager to see if Reijnders can sustain this level & develop into the team’s new creative heartbeat as they chase yet another PL crown.