Tijjani Reijnders impresses on debut for Man City in Club World Cup

On June 19, 2025, in Philadelphia, United States, Tijjani Reijnders made his first appearance for Manchester City after transferring from AC Milan in a deal valued at £46.5 million. Reijnders' debut came during the Club World Cup where Manchester City faced Wydad Casablanca and secured a convincing 2-0 victory. Central defender Nathan Ake, who played alongside Reijnders, praised his new teammate's skills, stating that he showed great quality and adaptability on the field. Ake noted that Reijnders could play in various positions and effectively contribute to the team's offensive movements. The signing of Reijnders reflects Manchester City's ongoing efforts to enhance their squad following a disappointing performance in the 2024-2025 season. Under manager Pep Guardiola, this acquisition is part of a larger rebuilding strategy intended to restore the club's competitive edge. Ake also highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness levels after a challenging prior season, as he had faced significant injury issues limiting his contributions to just 18 appearances. This match marked a critical point for Ake, as he played a full 90 minutes, signifying a hopeful return to form. In the build-up to the game, Reijnders demonstrated his versatility and skill during training, impressing both the coaching staff and teammates. As a central midfielder, he is expected to address a scoring gap that had been a concern last season, where only two players reached double figures in goal contributions. Guardiola's strategy moving forward seems to heavily rely on Reijnders and his ability to add goals from midfield. Given his idolization of renowned attackers such as Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, expectations are high for Reijnders to replicate that kind of impact at City. In the match against Wydad Casablanca, Reijnders was instrumental in maintaining possession and contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Manchester City’s first match in the Club World Cup was crucial for setting the tone for the tournament, and Reijnders’ performance is seen as a promising start to his career at the club. The club looks forward to how he will evolve in the upcoming fixtures and whether he can consistently provide the goals and creativity they need from the midfield. The positive feedback from Ake suggests a strong chemistry forming within the team, which is vital for their ambitions in both domestic and international competitions.