A perfect “number 8” for Pep

It's not easy for a new signing to immediately capture the attention of fans on his Premier League debut. Tijjani Reijnders has just done it.

The Dutch midfielder turned Man City's 4-0 win over Wolves into a perfect individual performance.

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Reijnders made an impressive Premier League debut. Photo: Imago

When Man City announced the €55m (rising to €70m depending on terms) deal for Reijnders, most fans thought it was simply a move to prepare for the post-Kevin De Bruyne period .

Reality has proven otherwise : Reijnders is not “De Bruyne 2.0”. He is a completely different version, suitable for Pep Guardiola's need to recreate his playing style.

In the first 90 minutes of the Premier League , the former AC Milan player showed why Guardiola "snatched" him away from many other clubs.

Reijnders was like an erupting volcano, launching every creative pass, controlling the tempo, launching passes that tore apart the Wolves defense.

It all comes down to an uncanny composure and ability to read the game before it happens – something few midfielders in the world possess.

For many years now, Reijnders has been placed alongside Toni Kroos in professional discussions.

The common point is not in speed or the ability to explode goals, but in tactical intelligence, the way to control the game and the almost absolute accuracy in passing.

Guardiola knows that if modern football needs a silent commander in the middle of the pitch, then Reijnders is the closest thing to Kroos that the market can offer.

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Reijnders helped Man City dominate the game against Wolves. Photo: Imago

Against Wolves, the statistics don't lie: a passing accuracy of over 90%, many chances to score, plus a constant presence in every hot spot of the match.

Man City's version of Kroos

Reijnders is unpretentious, but every touch he makes helps the system run smoothly.

Just like Kroos did for Real Madrid or the German national team, Reijnders doesn't need flashiness, he conquers with perseverance and intelligence.

Guardiola could not hide his satisfaction. "This is one of the best signings in Man City's history ," he said after round 1 of the Premier League .

It's not just a compliment. Pep understands the value of a complete number 8 midfielder: able to keep the rhythm, create and help in defence.

What Pep once had in Xavi, Iniesta, or witnessed Kroos and Modric in confrontations, he has now found again in Reijnders.

It is not difficult to understand why Man City acted quickly to sign Reijnders before attending the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He is at the peak of his career, has Serie A experience, and is humble enough to integrate .

Guardiola sees Reijnders as the piece to bring Man City back to dominance and maintain this for many years to come.

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From Milan to Man City, Reijnders always plays with a smile. Photo: MCFC

Reijnders not only plays football with his feet, but also with a special attitude. “I always go out on the pitch with a smile. I love football and enjoy every minute…” , he shared .

That saying reminds people of Kroos , the type of player who seems immune to pressure, always calm in the midst of storms.

In the tense atmosphere of the Premier League, such a cool head is an invaluable asset.

Reijnders has just given an answer about Man City's ability to rebuild after De Bruyne's departure.

Perhaps, the debut is just the beginning. But if Reijnders continues to maintain this form, Pep Guardiola really has his own new Kroos .

This weekend, the match against Tottenham (6:30 p.m. on August 23) will test Reijnders' role more clearly .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tijjani-reijnders-toni-kroos-cua-man-city-va-pep-guardiola-2434411.html