New Man City signing Reijnders shows glimpses of KDB in controlled win against Wydad

Manchester City are off to a winning start at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with a controlled 2-0 win against Wydad AC.

Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku in the first half secured the three points for City, but there were still areas of concern for manager Pep Guardiola which he will look to solve as the tournament progresses.

While Wydad were huge underdogs to get the win, there were signs that they could trouble some teams with their direct style of play which at times caught City off guard.

A mixed performance from City will be overshadowed by the late straight red card shown to defender Rico Lewis whose boot unfortunately collided with the head of Wydad striker Samuel Obeng after winning the ball on a sliding challenge.

Here are the key talking points from City’s opening group stage win at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City vs Wydad AC highlights

Reijnders channels inner De Bruyne

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One of City’s summer signings, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, made his City debut, along with Rayan Cherki, but it was the former who made the bigger impression.

The Dutch star was not afraid to run directly at his opposition and his passes were often splitting the Wydad defensive line. One perfect example came in the 25th minute where Reijnders careered up the pitch to the edge of Wydad box and then a perfect weighted pass through the defensive line to a charging Doku to create a chance.

A huge hole has been left following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, but if Reijnders is showing this positivity in midfield and ability to make piercing passes akin to the Belgian, then City fans have every right to be excited about Reijnders and the partnership with Rodri in midfield.

Foden and Doku make an impression

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For much of last season, City wingers Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku lacked any confidence.

Foden did not score his first Premier League goal until Christmas, whilst Doku is a player often met with criticism whenever the ball is at his feet.

Against Wydad, they made Pep Guardiola take notice.

Foden’s opening came in the second move following a move involving Doku whose cross found Savinho. The Brazilian then got a shot away which was parried by the Wydad goalkeeper before the Stockport poked the ball into the net.

Both players continued to create problems for the Wydad defence, and a well worked corner in the 42nd minute saw Doku score an acrobatic finish to put City 2-0 up, a worthy reward for an impressive performance.

If either player can continue these performances in the States, then he is likely to play a crucial role in Guardiola’s plans next season.

Wydad can trouble with direct style of play

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Wydad may have only had two shots on target, but there were promising signs when it came to their attacking play.

Most of their success came when they went direct with lofted balls over the top and their physicality coming out on top. One notable instance came in 31st minute where City centre back Vitor Reis lost the ball to Thembinkosi Lorch, but the 31-year-old failed to make City pay.

When it comes to Wydad’s main attacking threat, it will come from Lorch who was not afraid to think outside of the box, his attempt to catch Ederson off his line in the first half was a notable highlight.

The heat took its toll in the second half

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The heat has been a popular talking point during the tournament so far and with match which kicked off in Philadelphia at 12pm local time, it was no surprise there were signs of both sets of players struggling.

The first half between City and Wydad had a good tempo, plenty of chances, and at halftime it looked like an intriguing contest was brewing.

However, come the second half, City lacked the ‘zip’ in their passing and urgency which has made them such a dominant force, whilst Wydad were failing to capitalise in this drop off from the Premier League outfit.

Ahead of kick off in Philadelphia, Guardiola said that he will be using his whole squad during the tournament, and if the heat continues to be reach high temperatures, the City boss is making the right decision.

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