After Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves, attention turns to the 2025–26 season as the team anticipates Rodri’s return, which could solidify a midfield axis with Tijjani Reijnders, evoking memories of a Xavi–Iniesta style orchestration.
Even before joining City, Reijnders was a player seemingly made for Pep Guardiola. Agile, sharp in reading the game, and creative with space, he often studied Kevin de Bruyne’s passing techniques while working at a supermarket and practicing them the next day at FC Twente’s youth academy.
On his Premier League debut, Reijnders showcased a skill reminiscent of Andres Iniesta’s croqueta, gliding past three Wolves defenders to assist Rico Lewis, who then fed Erling Haaland. His composure, vision, and technical finesse highlighted his potential to become a key creative force in Guardiola’s evolving midfield.