4 | Tijjani Reijnders - 2025/26

[domalino]

If his job is ‘central midfielder’ I’d argue he’s not doing it well at all

If you look at the way we set up, he’s the furthest forward player other than Haaland and that’s clearly by design, in fact he’s often ahead of Haaland on the average position maps. Foden and Bernardo’s ghost are supposed to defend either side of Nico.

I’d still like a bit more aggression but I’m starting to think of him as Gundogan’s replacement and he took at least a year of playing in the prem to toughen up and start sticking his boot in.

He needs to contribute more goals and assists though if that’s his role. Tonight he broke his drought and the feint for Haalands goal was nice, so hopefully we see more of that.

 

[Gabriel]

If his job is ‘central midfielder’ I’d argue he’s not doing it well at all

He’s not a defensive midfielder, nor is Foden, nor Silva, nor O’Reilly.

 

[EdersonsSmiley]

He's a complete luxury player and surely part of the reason we are so easy to get at. I honestly can't remember him ever winning the ball in midfield.

 

[lightning Rodri]

If you look at the way we set up, he’s the furthest forward player other than Haaland and that’s clearly by design, in fact he’s often ahead of Haaland on the average position maps. Foden and Bernardo’s ghost are supposed to defend either side of Nico.

 

[Gibblue]

Superb finish in an otherwise totally anonymous appearance(only the lone striker for both sides had less touches) He's fucking shite in midfield and should be competing with Phil and Cherki for those positions... if any.

That stat about touches is shocking for a CM playing for Pep.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

Great finish for his goal and a nice dummy for the 1st. If he does that every game, the rest is somewhat excusable. However, at the minute, he’s doing it once every 3 months. His disappearing act mid-game is becoming legendary. Unacceptable.

 

[Alexia_Ko]

The Italian league producing players with zero intensity says it all about the level of competition over there

 

[citytill1die84]

Much better.

 

[Ajm1985]

Good goal, some nice moments but faded and was on the pitch far too long.

 

[pbueno16]

For a midfielder, I don't get how Pep doesn't torch him for hardly making himself available to take the ball of the center backs. At least twice I saw Bernardo come all the way from right wing and run past Reijnders to get the ball off Gvardiol. If you aren't going to do that or put a tackle in, what are you offering?

 

[Gundoggin]

Real strange one this
He has all the attributes to be a top player for us but it is in very small doses so far ?!?!?

 

[WallyA]

He is still deserved time, because all new signings are.

But the excuse of him playing higher up so that excuses the lack of defensive work... im sorry that doesnt apply.

We can compare his role to Gundogans if we want, for which then yeah he needs more goals and assists to justify this, which he still might do.

But dont forget that Gundogan played in a system where both fullbacks stayed back predominantly or inverted into midfield, so he had the freedom to not defend as much.

But... our fullbacks aren't just centrebacks staying back, so this logic doesnt apply anymore.

Since the fullbacks are pushing up, we can't afford a Gundogan style weak midfielder anymore, we need a harder worker.

Im hoping he can still get his intensity to match the league, otherwise he won't have a chance here as a starter.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Went missing again when the going got tough.

 

[jaiguruKun]

Pleased he got the goal and it was an improved showing for him however his lack of pressing, intensity, and inability to pick up a man continues to cost us. He has to chip in more defensively otherwise he should be dropped as we can't afford to carry players.

 

[Blue Hefner]

Good first half when things were going well but second half, I forgot he was playing

He’s a wet. No good in games if it’s not going our way

 

[tackeds]

Good first half, pleased he scored and hopefully will kick on now. Anonymous second half but they’d all lost the head so he wasnt alone

 

[Cigs&Alc]

Best game since Wolves.

A way to go but hopefully a confidence booster.

 

[Big Yaya Wilko 12]

Great finish but he’s totally anonymous other than that minute.

Why is he so poor in duels? He’s a tall lad but fuck me. He’s piss weak.

 

[sarcastico]

He plays like he is scared of getting injured. Physically he looks capable to do more.

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

Reijinders seems to be slowly coming back into form - Leeds was much better and against Fulham he was better still. He's got much more ability that he has yet to show; I think it's a matter of regaining confidence and getting used to the Prem.