Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has expressed a desire to steer clear of comparisons with Premier League icon Kevin De Bruyne, despite acknowledging the compliment.
Reijnders spent the last six months of his time at the Etihad Stadium alongside the Belgian playmaker, a period that has fueled media speculation about his potential. The Dutch international, however, emphasizes the distinct nature of his playing style and role within the team.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Reijnders noted the immediate analysis following his debut against Wolves, where pundits drew parallels to the Manchester City legend. He described the comparison as a significant compliment, but was quick to articulate the differences in their on-field contributions and inherent abilities.
From the outset of his tenure at City, Reijnders was made aware of the club’s perspective on his capabilities. He has consistently maintained that he is not a direct replacement for De Bruyne, seeking to establish his own identity as a player. This self-awareness is crucial to his integration and development.
Reijnders identifies himself as an all-round midfielder, with a particular affinity for the number eight position. He thrives as a box-to-box player, seamlessly transitioning between defensive duties and attacking endeavors. His game involves significant contributions to both the build-up play and the final attacking third.
He pinpointed his ability to consistently arrive in scoring positions as his most significant strength. Reijnders typically generates at least two high-quality scoring opportunities in each match. While his goal tally may not yet match his previous performances at AC Milan, he is confident that his current positioning will soon translate into more frequent goals.
Reijnders trusts that his prolific scoring form will return, attributing this belief to his consistent presence in dangerous areas. His focus remains on maintaining these attacking runs and contributing to the team’s offensive output, confident that the goals will naturally follow.
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