Since Tijjani Reijnders completed his move from AC Milan to Manchester City, his overall performances and development have been considered highly positive.
At the start of the season, he quickly demonstrated his value, from tempo control to ball progression, leaving City fans impressed.
Although the team later experienced a dip in form that affected his performances, Manchester City eventually regained stability, and Reijnders’ form recovered. This further proved that he has been an excellent signing for the club.
A Key Presence in Midfield: Complementing Nico and Cherki
As Nico González gradually established himself as the starting defensive midfielder and Rayan Cherki continued showcasing his creativity in attack, Reijnders’ ability to link the play, control transitions, and cover ground became even more crucial.
His influence between midfield and the attacking line has been one of the main reasons Pep Guardiola values him.
Intense Premier League Competition: Both Pressure and Motivation
While preparing for World Cup qualifiers with the Dutch national team, Reijnders admitted in an interview that Manchester City’s squad is filled with world-class players. Therefore, even if he occasionally starts from the bench, he is comfortable with it.
“At Manchester City, almost every player has the quality to start,” he said. The high level of competition puts pressure on him, but it also becomes a driving force to keep improving.
Grateful for Guardiola’s Trust
Reflecting on his experience after joining the Premier League, Reijnders expressed his gratitude toward Guardiola for giving him opportunities, while also acknowledging the hard work he puts in on the pitch.
He described the Premier League as “a highly challenging league,” with greater intensity, physicality, and pace compared to Serie A. However, he emphasised that this environment has helped him grow significantly, and it is a process he fully embraces and enjoys.
The Netherlands is Close to Securing World Cup Qualification
Discussing the current situation of the Dutch national team, Reijnders noted that a victory against Poland would almost guarantee their spot in the World Cup. Based on their current points and form, he believes the chances of qualifying are very high.
However, he stressed that the team must not become complacent. While he praised his teammates’ performances, he reminded them that the World Cup features strong opponents. To truly compete for the title, the Netherlands must remain humble and keep working hard.
It is clear from his comments that the Dutch squad is full of confidence. They are already talking about competing for major honours, not merely focusing on qualification, a mindset that could be a key source of motivation moving forward.
