Reijnders Shines as Manchester City Thrash Wolves in Premier League Opener

Manchester City supporters have quickly found a new favourite to rally behind following Kevin De Bruyne’s summer departure, with Tijjani Reijnders announcing himself in stunning fashion on his Premier League debut, Sport360NG reports.

The Dutch midfielder produced a standout display at Molineux, registering both a goal and an assist as City swept aside Wolves. In doing so, the 27-year-old became only the second player in club history to both score and set up a goal on his league debut, the first being Sergio Agüero.

“It’s the perfect way to start,” Reijnders told Match of the Day. “I’m delighted with a goal, an assist and most importantly the three points. Hopefully we can keep this momentum.”

Pep Guardiola was equally impressed with his summer signing from AC Milan, praising his energy and versatility. “He’s been fantastic since the first day. His runs, his pace, the way he finds space, he adds something we’ve been missing,” Guardiola said.

Former England captain Alan Shearer went even further, calling Reijnders’ performance “almost the perfect midfield display” and noting his relentless movement and control of the game.

Who is Reijnders?

A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Reijnders began his career at PEC Zwolle before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2018. After a brief loan at RKC Waalwijk, he broke through at AZ, notching 13 goals and 15 assists across 128 games. That earned him a switch to AC Milan in 2023, where he stood out in a struggling side, finishing with 10 goals and four assists last season.

His statistical influence was even greater: he ranked among Serie A’s top players for forward passes, through balls and ball carries, while being directly involved in over 200 attacking sequences that led to shots. Those qualities have translated smoothly into Guardiola’s system.

Reijnders has already been capped 23 times by the Netherlands and played every game at Euro 2024.

A Statement Performance

Against Wolves, Reijnders’ creativity and composure stood out. His clever chipped pass set up the opener, before he finished clinically to double City’s lead. He also played a key role in Erling Haaland’s second goal with a disguised through ball.

In total, he recorded 82 touches, completed 52 of 57 passes, and registered 22 in the final third, second only to fellow new signing Nico González.

Former England defender Chris Powell labelled him “City’s star man,” adding: “This is just the beginning of a new-look midfield. And once Rodri and Phil Foden are back fit, City will be even stronger.”

Goalkeeper Situation

Another debutant, James Trafford, also impressed in goal, keeping a clean sheet after returning from Burnley. He deputised for Ederson, who missed out through illness.

With the Brazilian entering the final year of his contract and linked with Galatasaray, Guardiola admitted he was unsure about the goalkeeper’s future. “I don’t have information,” he said. “If he decides to leave, it must be on the club’s terms. But I don’t know what will happen in the coming weeks.”

Guardiola also hinted that trimming his squad is now a priority, saying: “The squad is too big. I don’t want unhappy players left out every week. The club knows we need solutions.”