Palermo, Italy – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised new signing Tijjani Reijnders as a “special player” after the Dutch midfielder scored twice in City’s 3-0 pre-season victory over Palermo on Saturday.
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🔥 Reijnders’ Instant Impact
- £46m summer signing from AC Milan.
- Came off the bench and netted a second-half brace (after Haaland’s opener).
- Serie A’s Best Midfielder (2024/25) – now showing his class in a City shirt.
🗣️ Guardiola’s Verdict
“We knew he is a special player arriving into the box. He loves to do that. People in Italy know him perfectly. He scored two goals and made a fantastic performance.”
- Versatility: Can play as a No. 6 or No. 8, but excels in late runs into the box.
- Praise for New Signings: Also lauded Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Khusanov as strong additions.
🔵 What This Means for Man City
- Midfield Reinvented: Reijnders adds goalscoring threat from deep.
- Haaland’s New Partner? His movement could create space for City’s strikers.
- Premier League Ready? Wolves (A) up next in GW1 – could he start?
📊 Key Stats
✅ 2 goals in 30 mins (clinical off the bench).
✅ Serie A’s top-scoring midfielder last season (12 goals).
✅ Perfect Pep player – technical, intelligent, and versatile.
🚀 FPL Watch:
- Priced at £7.5m – could be a bargain if he starts regularly.
- Differential Pick? Only 2.3% owned – a potential hidden gem.
🗨️ Your Take?
Will Reijnders be a starter for City? Or just a squad player?
Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️
