This Premier League debutant could be the difference in this season’s title race

They may have practically all the wealth in the world, but last season was as bad as it could get for Manchester City.

A failed title challenge, an early Champions League exit, a star player missing most of the season, a second successive FA Cup final loss, the list goes on and on.

As the 2024/25 season progressed, the signs were clear to see, manager Pep Guardiola had run his course with the set of players which had dominated English and European football for the last four years.

A squad refresh was needed, some new faces to revive the competition between those who may have become complacent. Some established faces including Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne have walked away from the Etihad for pastures new resulting in City doing their transfer business early ahead of a relatively short FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the summer.

Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki were the new arrivals brought in ahead of City’s quest for success in the US which came to an abrupt halt against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the round of 16.

Despite the shock loss, there was one player generating immediate excitement amongst the Cityzens, and that was Dutch midfielder Reijnders.

With a now seemingly injury prone Rodri and a De Bruyne shaped hole in City’s midfield, there was a concern where that driving force would come from, but Reijnders is already fulfilling that requirement.

In the Club World Cup, the Dutchman was not afraid to have the ball at his feet and seize the initiative. While these displays were more often than not against lesser opposition, comparisons were already being made to De Bruyne and City legend Yaya Toure.

On Saturday evening, it was time for this new look City to prove that the struggles of last season were a distant memory when they travelled to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

What transpired at Molineux was a clincial performance from the Blues with City cruising to a 4-0 win, and Reijnders was at the heart of it.

The first goal was sparked by a delightful chip from Reijnders to Rico Lewis who charged into the Wolves box before a trademark pass across the area to find Erling Haaland who opened his account for the season.

The second came eight minutes before halftime, a counterattack led by Oscar Bobb saw the winger lay the ball off to Reijnders who calmly struck the ball first time to put City in cruise control.

Reijnders showed no signs of slowing down in the second half with his first assist of the match, a cut back to Haaland who found the back of the net to make it 3-0 in the 61st minute.

Cherki scored the fourth, but all the talk surrounded the £46.3 million arrival from Italian giants AC Milan.

As Premier League debuts go, it does not get much better, and speaking to the Manchester City website, Reijnders was glowing after an impressive debut in England’s top flight.

“Yeah it’s a really nice start of course, to start with a goal and assist, especially in the Premier League, it’s something you always dream about. It can be better,” Reijnders said.

“I’m always going on the pitch with a smile, I love playing football and enjoy every minute on the pitch. This is what I want to show to the fans. Starting like this is unbelievable.”

There is the caveat that an opening weekend win against a Wolves side tipped for a relegation battle is not the best barometer for what the rest of the season could hold, but it was still a statement.

For any Guardiola side to function at its best, the midfield needs to be full of creativity and Reijnders is already showing that. If Rodri can stay fit, then this defensive-offensive combination is a dangerous one.

Rodri disrupting play, Reijnders’ potent attacks, City’s midfield could be a difficult one to break down, and fans will find out whether Reijnders can be a threat against an established Premier League side on Saturday when City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs always seem to thrive in East Manchester, often getting shock victories and sending the blue half of Manchester into meltdown, so it is the perfect opportunity for Reijnders to prove why he will be a vital character in the battle for the Premier League title.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.