Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves in their opening Premier League clash was headlined by a standout performance from summer signing Tijjani Reijnders. The 27-year-old Netherlands international showcased his box-to-box prowess, scoring and assisting in the same game—a feat previously achieved only by club legend Sergio Aguero on his debut. "It’s a perfect start," Reijnders said post-match. "A goal, an assist, and a clean sheet. We’re ready to keep building."
Guardiola hailed Reijnders’ seamless integration into the squad, praising his "delightful personality" and tactical intelligence. "He’s not just a lovely guy but a complete midfielder," Guardiola remarked. "His ability to exploit spaces between lines and drive transitions is exactly what we’ve missed."
Prior to joining City for £42.5m, Reijnders impressed in Serie A with AC Milan, recording 10 goals and four assists in 2023-24. Despite Milan’s eighth-place finish, he ranked in the top five for through balls and progressive carries, proving his knack for elevating attacking play. "Only Scott McTominay of Napoli had more goal involvements from midfield last season," noted stats analysts, though this comparison appears to be a contextual error, with McTominay playing for Newcastle in 2023-24.
Reijnders’ 82 touches and 93% pass completion rate (52/57) against Wolves underscored his control, while his 22 final-third passes highlighted his role in dismantling the opposition. His chipped assist for Erling Haaland’s second goal and a clinical finish into the bottom corner left pundits raving. "He’s the catalyst for City’s new era," said former England defender Chris Powell. "With Rodri and Foden returning, this midfield could be unstoppable."
City’s dominance was further bolstered by James Trafford, the 22-year-old goalkeeper making his debut after rejoining the club. With Ederson absent due to gastroenteritis, Trafford kept a clean sheet with three critical saves. Guardiola remained noncommittal on Ederson’s future, which has been clouded by links to Galatasaray. "If he wants to leave, the club’s terms must be respected," Guardiola stated.
The match also served as a reminder of City’s hunger to reclaim their title after a turbulent 2023-24 campaign plagued by injuries. Reijnders, who previously shone at AZ Alkmaar and Euro 2024, emphasized his readiness. "The Premier League is intense, but I’m here to contribute and fight for trophies," he said. With Rodri and Phil Foden set to return, Guardiola’s midfield now boasts depth and creativity—key ingredients for another title charge.
"Tijjani Reijnders is the star man today," Powell added. "Manchester City has laid down a marker early."
As City aims to build consistency, Reijnders’ blend of vision, energy, and composure suggests he could become a cornerstone of Guardiola’s new look midfield. Meanwhile, the club’s focus remains on maintaining unity amid speculation around Ederson’s future, with Trafford proving a reliable understudy in his absence.
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