TIJJANI REIJNDERS is perfectly placed to lead Manchester City’s £130million supermarket sweep.
The versatile midfielder used to stack shelves in Aldi but is now the first signing of a huge summer for Pep Guardiola.
GettyTijjani Reijnders is joining Manchester City from AC Milan for £45m[/caption]
instagram @tijjanireijndersThe midfielder used to work in Aldi[/caption]
GettyHe is a midfielder who can do a bit of everything[/caption]
Reijnders, 26, idolises Kevin De Bruyne and will now be tasked with filling the gaping void left by the Belgian superstar.
When the Netherlands international joined Milan he was asked about his rise to the top and said: “I recently noticed an article ‘from amateur to AC Milan‘.
“But when I think about it, I like ‘from Aldi to AC Milan’ even better!”
Aldi to Manchester City will have an even better ring to it for Guardiola’s new midfield general.
It is quite the challenge for the midfielder, though he arrives with some stellar references.
Milan and Netherlands great Frank Rijkaard is convinced Reijnders is destined for the top.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world… I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path.
“I really like his style of play. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.
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“With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his teammates and setting up the play well.”
Reijnders can bring a bit of everything to a Manchester City midfield in need of a shot in the arm.
The former AZ Alkmaar man made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Serie A this season as well as creating the most chances from open play.
He may not have the craft of De Bruyne when it comes to creating chances – there are few, if any, who do – but Reijnders can also find the back of the net.
Milan’s maestro bagged 15 goals from midfield this term – two more than any other midfielder in the Italian top flight.
Reijnders’ path to the top has been carefully plotted, aided by his father and agent, Martin – a former player himself who was a team-mate of Jaap Stam at Dutch side Zwolle.
The family clearly planned a footballing career for their son from day one, naming him Tijjani after former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida.
Younger brother Eliano also plays for his father’s former side, Zwolle.
Martin revealed after sealing Tijjani’s move to Milan that the pair had decided to turn down Barcelona in order to join the Rossoneri.
Barca were on the lookout for an heir to Sergio Busquets and Reijnders’ father made the brave and bold decision to tell his son that he was not quite up to the task.
GettyReijnders’ parents named their son after former Ajax and Nigeria winger Tijani Babangida[/caption]
AlamyHis brother Eliano plays for Zwolle[/caption]
instagram @tijjanireijndersReijnders is hoping to fill the void left behind by Kevin De Bruyne[/caption]
He told Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad: “I immediately told Tijjani, ‘You are not that type of player. Before you know it, you’ll end up on the bench. And you’d become yet another player who fails abroad.’”
There was Premier League interest two years ago, but Reijnders has rapidly developed in Milan and now feels prepared to take his biggest step yet.
As well as carefully planning his progression, Reijnders has studied fellow players to add as much to his game as possible.
Speaking to The Athletic, Reijnders said: “When I got older, I looked a lot at Kevin De Bruyne. I watched his games, YouTube clips.
“Especially the way he was scanning the pitch before he gets the ball so he always knows where the space is.
“I try to do the same.”
Before looking to add elements of De Bruyne to his game, City’s new man carefully studied another Guardiola stalwart in Andres Iniesta.
There are few deals which can be a sure thing, not every signing is as obvious as Erling Haaland.
But in Reijnders, Manchester City look to have identified a player capable of grabbing hold of a game who is primed to slot straight into a Guardiola side.
GettyReijnders has an eye for goal[/caption]
He is married to Marinainstagram @tijjanireijnders
instagram @tijjanireijndersThey welcomed baby son Xavien in February 2024[/caption]
instagram @tijjanireijndersThe family regularly post snaps on social media[/caption]
GettyReijnders will provide a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
