Reijnders: More Than De Bruyne's Stand-In

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has a strong preference for midfielders. He once mentioned his desire to field a team with 11 midfielders. Guardiola believes that controlling the midfield is crucial to controlling the game.

Manchester City faced challenges in the recent season due to a lack of control in the midfield. Rodri, a key player known for ball retention, was mostly unavailable. Kevin De Bruyne, a top creator, struggled with injuries and has since left the club. Ilkay Gundogan, another important midfielder, is aging. These factors contributed to Guardiola's first season without winning any trophies since he joined City.

To address their midfield issues, Manchester City swiftly secured a £46.3 million deal to acquire Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. Reijnders, who excelled in his Premier League debut by scoring and assisting a goal, embodies the qualities Guardiola values in a player.

Reijnders, who played for AC Milan and the Netherlands, stood out in a struggling Milan team that finished eighth in Serie A. He led various statistical categories in the league, showcasing his abilities in passing, carrying the ball, and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Reijnders has made a positive impression on his new teammates at Manchester City. Both Nathan Ake and Guardiola have praised his skills and adaptability, foreseeing a significant role for him in the team.

Manchester City's performance in the previous season suffered due to the absence of key midfielders like Rodri and De Bruyne. The team's possession and passing statistics declined, highlighting the impact of the midfield struggles.

Reijnders' strengths lie in his passing ability and ball-carrying skills, making him a valuable asset for City. His style of play aligns well with Guardiola's tactics, offering promise for the team's future performances.